Lubbock, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height
- 12 inches
- Target
- Tumbleweeds, rank weeds
- State Law
- TX Ag Code Ch. 71
- Enforcement
- Notice plus abatement
- Herbicide Permit
- Not required residential
Summary
Lubbock prohibits rank weeds, tumbleweeds, and noxious vegetation taller than 12 inches on residential and vacant lots. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 designates several state noxious weeds that landowners must control.
Sec. 71.001. QUARANTINES AGAINST OUT-OF-STATE DISEASES AND PESTS. If the department determines that a dangerous insect pest or plant disease new to and not widely distributed in this state exists in any area outside the state, the department shall establish a quarantine against the infested area at the boundaries of the state or in other areas within the state. Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1151, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
Sec. 71.002. QUARANTINES AGAINST IN-STATE DISEASES AND PESTS. If the department determines that a dangerous insect pest or plant disease not widely distributed in this state exists within an area of the state, the department shall quarantine the infested area. Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1151, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
Sec. 71.003.
Full Breakdown
Under Lubbock Code Chapter 22, overgrown weeds, tumbleweeds, and rank vegetation are a public nuisance and must be kept below 12 inches. West Texas tumbleweeds (Russian thistle, kochia) are especially targeted because seeds blow into neighbor yards and into drainage canals. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 lists state noxious weeds like common crupina, itchgrass, and Canada thistle; landowners have a statutory duty to prevent spread. Code Enforcement inspects reactively on complaints and proactively during spring and summer. Enforcement follows the same notice-and-abate path as grass violations: written notice, 7-10 day compliance window, city mowing or chemical treatment with costs plus admin fee assessed as a property lien. Chemical herbicide use by homeowners must follow EPA label instructions; no city permit is required for residential applications.
Violations & Fines
Notice of violation, 7-10 days to remedy. City abatement: cost plus 100-400 dollar admin fee, property lien. Repeat: fine up to 2,000 dollars per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to remove tumbleweeds from my yard in Lubbock?
Can I spray herbicide on weeds myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
How Lubbock compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lubbock to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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