Denton County, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- County Weed Ordinance
- None
- State Authority
- TX Ag Code Ch. 71 (TDA)
- City Enforcement
- 10-day notice typical
- HOAs
- May enforce privately
Summary
Denton County has no weed abatement ordinance. Texas counties lack property maintenance authority. TDA manages noxious weeds under TX Ag Code Chapter 71.
Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance. Sec. 342.006. WORK OR IMPROVEMENTS BY MUNICIPALITY; NOTICE. (a) If the owner of property in the municipality does not comply with a municipal ordinance or requirement under this chapter within seven days of notice of a violation, the municipality may: (1) do the work or make the improvements required; and (2) pay for the work done or improvements made and charge the expenses to the owner.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Denton County does not have a weed ordinance, noxious plant list, or abatement program. Texas law does not give counties general ordinance power over property maintenance or vegetation. The Texas Department of Agriculture maintains a state noxious weed list under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 that authorizes the TDA Commissioner to order destruction of certain invasive species, but this is exercised at the state level and rarely directed at individual residential properties. Common invasive species in Denton County include Johnsongrass, giant ragweed, and various thistles. The Denton County AgriLife Extension Office provides free weed identification and management guidance. Cities within the county (Denton, Lewisville, The Colony, Little Elm, etc.) enforce weed ordinances with typical 10-day notice-to-abate requirements and city-performed mowing with lien on the property. These city rules do not reach unincorporated land.
Violations & Fines
No county weed violations. TDA noxious weed orders carry penalties up to $10,000 per day but are rarely enforced against individuals. City weed abatement costs typically $250-$500 per mowing, assessed as a lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Denton County make me remove weeds from my property?
What about noxious weeds like Johnsongrass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton County
How Denton County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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