Grapevine, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Focus Species
- Johnson grass, ragweed, thistle
- Notice Period
- 10 to 14 days
- Exempt
- Gardens, pollinator habitat
- Lien
- For unpaid abatement
- Contact
- (817) 410-3191 Code Compliance
Summary
Grapevine requires property owners to control weeds and non-ornamental vegetation under Chapter 13 health provisions. Non-native invasive species removal is encouraged. Notice-to-abate process enforces compliance.
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 as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 580 (S.B. 837), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may punish an owner or occupant of property in the municipality who violates an ordinance adopted under this subchapter. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1,
Full Breakdown
Grapevine's weed control rules overlap with the grass-height rule but focus specifically on non-ornamental vegetation, invasive species, and allergen-producing plants. Chapter 13 (Health) of the Code of Ordinances authorizes Code Compliance to issue notices for rank growth of weeds, including common Texas nuisance species: Johnson grass, giant ragweed, marestail, prickly lettuce, cocklebur, Canada thistle, and sand bur. Poison ivy and poison oak near pedestrian areas must be controlled. Invasive non-native species that damage native ecosystems (Chinese privet, ligustrum, Japanese honeysuckle) are encouraged to be removed but are not typically cited.
Ornamental plantings, vegetable gardens, wildflower patches, and pollinator habitats are exempt from weed rules when they represent intentional design. The notice-to-abate process gives 10 to 14 days to remedy, with city abatement and lien following non-compliance. Vacant lots are a common focus of weed enforcement, particularly in transitional and development-pending parcels along SH 121 and FM 2499. Commercial property owners are held to similar standards. Homeowners can report weed violations through Grapevine Code Compliance at (817) 410-3191.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor; up to 500 dollars per day. City abatement costs billed to owner as property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the city force me to remove all weeds?
Is my pollinator garden a weed violation?
Who removes weeds on a vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grapevine
How Grapevine compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Grapevine to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle weed ordinances.