Arlington, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Arlington's nuisance ordinance treats weeds, rank vegetation, and uncultivated plant growth over 12 inches as a public nuisance subject to abatement. The rule covers not only lawns but also undeveloped portions of lots, fence lines, parkways, and alleys. Common problem species in North Texas include Johnson grass, ragweed, sunflower, careless weed (pigweed), and bindweed, all of which grow rapidly after summer storms and must be controlled. Brush piles, accumulations of cut vegetation, and yard debris that harbor rodents or provide habitat for venomous snakes can also be declared nuisances.

Code Compliance officers document violations with photographs and issue a notice of violation giving the owner a short period, typically seven to ten days, to abate. If the owner does not comply, the city may mow the lot and bill the owner, with unpaid charges becoming a lien. Property owners who receive repeated violations on the same lot within a calendar year may be subject to accelerated enforcement without additional notice. Xeriscape, native plantings, and managed wildflower meadows are permitted but should be part of a deliberate landscape plan, not simply neglect.