Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - April 21, 2012

From: Royse City, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Laws, Wildflowers
Title: Legal to mow wildflowers in HOA in Royse City, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

We live out in the country in Rockwall County, Texas. Is it legal to mow the wildflowers on our 2 acre lots? The HOA documents we committed to require the homesites to be maintained, but there is disagreement if wildflowers (non-Blubonnets)are protected or not. Please help us. Thank you!

ANSWER:

We can safely tell you we know of no state laws that mandate mowing or not mowing wildflowers. On the other hand, as you say, you have committed to following the HOA rules. If there are no legal restrictions one way or the other, you are probably stuck with mowing when the HOA says to. Your best bet is to contact the managing group of the HOA and raise the question, based on the fact that preservation of native wildflowers is very important, and avoiding mowing until seeds have dropped will permit the continuation of those wildflowers.

Just in case there are some local or county rules, or even rules from the Highway Department, that might alter the situation, we suggest you contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service for Rockwall County.

 

More Plant Laws Questions

Weed laws on mowing wildflowers in the Spring
September 22, 2004 - Is there any law that would prevent a Town from making a person mow their wildflowers down in the spring?
view the full question and answer

Optimum mowing times for wildflower garden
November 09, 2004 - I live in Washington County and have 4 acres that contain both an abundance of spring wildflowers and native grasses (silver and little bluestem, Texas grama). The homeowners restrictions require that...
view the full question and answer

Native plant town ordinances in New Mexico/Chihuahuan Desert
November 17, 2005 - I'm interested in city/town landscape ordinances in the New Mexico/Chihuahuan Desert area. What towns do you think do a good job using native plants?
view the full question and answer

Trees prohibited or regulated in Albuquerque
March 20, 2013 - Are there certain trees that not not allowed to be planted in Albuquerque, New Mexico because of city regulations?
view the full question and answer

Definition of "Weed Laws"
January 14, 2007 - What are weed laws?
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.