Turf and Tree Guidance

Date: May 27, 2026

Overview

All changes must be submitted to Architectural Request using the request form on Modifications and Improvements page.

This document is not an official standard. This document provides residents with established guidelines for selecting turfgrass and trees that comply with community standards and are optimized for the local environment in Williamson County. Xeriscaping and artificial turf have their own standards which are not covered in this guidance.

Turfgrass selection

Per Texas Code 202.007, property owners' associations cannot prohibit or restrict the use of drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. The following turfgrasses are optimized for the local climate and are auto-approved for installation [1].

  
      Auto-approved turf
      Drought Tolerance (per Texas A&M)
      Homeowner Considerations
    
      St. Augustine
      Requires irrigation
      Most shade tolerant
    
      Bermudagrass
      Very tolerant
      Requires full sunlight
    
      Zoysiagrass
      Tolerant
      Light to moderate shade tolerance
    
      Buffalograss
      Highly tolerant
      Prone to weeds; not for heavy shade

Tree Planting Requirements

Homeowners must meet minimum tree counts before a Living Unit is occupied or when a lot is planted with grass or shrubbery per Art X, Sec 23 of our CCR [2].

Front Yard: At least two native trees of 2" diameter or more (measured 3' above ground level).
Corner Lots: Three native trees in the front yard.
Backyard: At least one tree of the same specified diameter.

Approved Tree Varieties

Elms, oaks, and native fruit trees are encouraged. The following species are auto-approved and recommended by Texas A&M for Williamson County's low-water conditions. Texas A&M tree selector can help you to pick the right tree for your yard conditions and placement [3].

  
      Common Name
      Height Classification
      Firewise?
    
      Cedar Elm
      Large
      Yes
    
      Bur Oak
      Large
      Yes
    
      Chinkapin Oak
      Large
      Yes
    
      Live Oak
      Large
      Yes
    
      Red Oak
      Medium
      Yes
    
      Shumard Oak
      Large
      Yes
    
      Lacey Oak
      Medium
      Yes
    
      Mexican White Oak
      Medium
      Yes

Case-by-Case Approval

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) evaluates the following trees on a case-by-case basis due to specific maintenance or growth characteristics.

  
      Common Name
      ARC Consideration Notes
    
      American Elm
      Requires significant root clearance; Cedar Elm is often preferred.
    
      Pecan
      Not as drought tolerant as Elms and Oaks.
    
      Southern Magnolia
      Requires significant clearance for crown and roots; not recommended for local soils by Texas A&M.
    
      American Persimmon
      Homeowners should consider potential fruit drop on sidewalks and neighboring yards.

Prohibited for Minimum Requirements

While other trees may be planted, the following varieties do not fulfill the minimum tree count requirements:

Ash trees
Tallow trees
Cottonwood trees

If you intend to plant coniferous trees, please note that group planting may be required for approval.

For any landscaping projects not covered by the auto-approval list, please submit a plan to the Architectural Review Committee for review on a lot-by-lot basis.

Resources:

[1] Texas A&M Turf Grass Selector for Texas: https://williamson.agrilife.org/files/2014/08/Turf-Selection-SCS-2009-05lr.pdf

[2] Article X restrictive covenants: https://www.westsidehoa.org/covenants-conditions-restrictions#article10

[3] Texas A&M Tree selector: https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/CustomSelector.aspx

Recommendations for fruit and nut tree production: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/edible-gardens-for-austin/fruits-and-nuts-for-austin/backyard-fruit-and-nut-production-tips/