Austin Landscape Services

Contact Your Local Austin Public Works or Solid Waste Department for Green Waste Info

Austin provides year-round curbside collection of yard trimmings, brush, and bulk green waste for residents, with collection typically scheduled weekly on regular trash days. Accepted materials include grass clippings, leaves, small branches, and shrub trimmings, which must be placed in paper lawn bags or reusable containers—plastic bags are prohibited to support composting efforts. Large brush and limbs should be bundled with natural twine, not exceeding 4 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter. Residents may also use drop-off sites such as the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant and Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center, which require proof of Austin residency and have set operating hours. Commercial landscapers must use approved facilities and pay disposal fees. Compost and mulch are available free to residents at select sites. Dumping clippings or debris into streets, storm drains, or waterways is strictly prohibited to protect local creeks and comply with the Clean Water Act and city stormwater rules.

Austin Public Works Department
505 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 3-1-1
Official Website: Austin Public Works Department

Austin Resource Recovery (Solid Waste)
2514 Business Center Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Phone: 3-1-1
Official Website: Austin Resource Recovery

Lawn Care Regulations & Permits in Austin, TX

Lawn care in Austin is governed by a combination of state and local regulations. Fertilizer use is regulated under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 63 (Commercial Fertilizer), with additional local guidance on nutrient management near waterways and during drought. Pesticide application requires compliance with Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 76 (Pesticide and Herbicide Regulation) and licensing through the Texas Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Licensing for commercial operators. Austin enforces outdoor watering restrictions, including assigned irrigation days, no watering between 10 AM and 7 PM, and rain/freeze sensor requirements. Noise ordinances limit lawn equipment operation to 7 AM–10 PM on weekdays and 8 AM–10 PM on weekends. Commercial lawn care providers must register with the city, maintain liability insurance, and comply with vehicle and trailer regulations.

Austin Development Services Department
6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 3-1-1
Official Website: Austin Development Services Department

Texas Department of Agriculture
1700 N. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 463-7476
Official Website: Texas Department of Agriculture

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve in Austin, TX?

Austin’s diverse neighborhoods present unique lawn care challenges and opportunities:

• Central Austin (Hyde Park, Old West Austin): Historic districts with mature oak canopy, alkaline clay soils, and smaller lots; shade-tolerant St. Augustinegrass is common, with drainage concerns near Shoal Creek and Waller Creek.
• North Austin (Wells Branch, North Burnet): Newer subdivisions on compacted builder-grade soils, larger lots, and full-sun exposure; bermudagrass and zoysiagrass thrive, but compaction and runoff are issues.
• South Austin (Travis Heights, Circle C Ranch): Varied soils from deep alluvium to rocky limestone; mix of mature and new landscapes, with HOA rules in master-planned communities and proximity to Barton Creek Greenbelt.
• East Austin (Mueller, Windsor Park): Urban infill with reclaimed soils, moderate shade, and smaller yards; buffalograss and drought-tolerant species are increasingly used.
• West Austin (Westlake, Tarrytown): Hilly terrain, limestone-derived soils, and floodplain areas near Lake Austin; drainage and erosion control are priorities, with strict landscaping standards in some HOAs.
• Downtown & University Area: High-density, limited green space, and heavy foot traffic; turf selection focuses on wear tolerance and rapid recovery.

Partnering With Austin’s Environmental Services, Stormwater, or Sustainability Office

Collaboration with Austin’s environmental and stormwater agencies ensures compliance and environmental stewardship. Key practices include:

• Protecting creeks and drainage easements from runoff and erosion
• Using native/adapted plants and mulching to reduce water use
• Installing rain gardens or bioswales where appropriate
• Composting and grasscycling to build soil health
• Avoiding fertilizer/pesticide use near waterways
• Participating in watershed cleanups and invasive species management These efforts align with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - Phase II MS4 Permit and support local sustainability initiatives.

Austin Watershed Protection Department
505 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 3-1-1
Official Website: Austin Watershed Protection Department

Top Austin Lawn Problems (and How We Solve Them)

Austin lawns face several region-specific challenges:

• Soil compaction and poor infiltration
• Alkaline, rocky, or clay soils
• Drought stress and irrigation restrictions
• Brown patch, take-all root rot, and gray leaf spot
• Chinch bugs, white grubs, and armyworms
• Crabgrass, nutsedge, and invasive weeds

Science-based solutions include:

• Soil testing and compost amendments (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Lawns & Turfgrass)
• Aeration and dethatching to relieve compaction
• Selecting drought-tolerant turf varieties (AggieTurf)
• Integrated pest management and targeted treatments
• Correct mowing heights and irrigation audits
• Mulching and grasscycling to retain moisture
• Overseeding or turf renovation for worn areas

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Travis County
1600-B Smith Rd, Austin, TX 78721
Phone: (512) 854-9600
Official Website: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

What Makes Lawns in Austin Different From the Rest of Texas?

Austin’s horticultural conditions are shaped by:

• Climate: USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, long growing season, hot summers, and periodic drought
• Soils: Blackland prairie clays in east/north, limestone-derived soils in west, and urban fill in central areas
• Microclimates: Urban heat island effects, tree canopy, and proximity to creeks or lakes
• Pest/Disease Pressure: High humidity and irrigation drive fungal disease and insect outbreaks
• Historical Patterns: Transition from traditional turf to drought-tolerant and native landscapes, with HOA and city incentives for water-wise practices
• Water Management: Frequent drought restrictions and emphasis on efficient irrigation

Supporting Local Events in Austin With Lawn Expertise

Lawn care professionals support Austin’s vibrant community through:

• Preparing city parks and sports fields for events
• Maintaining green spaces for festivals, farmers markets, and school activities
• Assisting with storm cleanup after severe weather
• Collaborating with Parks & Recreation and public works for debris removal
• Participating in Arbor Day, Earth Day, and water conservation outreach
• Providing educational workshops and sustainable landscape demonstrations

Austin Parks & Recreation Department
200 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 974-6700
Official Website: Austin Parks & Recreation Department

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Backed by Austin’s Water-Saving and Green Initiatives

Austin’s sustainability goals encourage:

• Smart irrigation controllers and rain/freeze sensors
• Drip irrigation for beds and cycle-and-soak scheduling
• Drought-tolerant turf and native plantings
• Rainwater harvesting and cistern use
• Compost topdressing and biological soil improvement
• Integrated pest management and pollinator-friendly landscaping
• Battery-powered equipment and route efficiency
• Grasscycling, compost diversion, and tree planting These practices reduce water use, chemical inputs, and carbon footprint, supporting the city’s climate resilience and green infrastructure priorities.

Austin Water Conservation
625 E. 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 974-2199
Official Website: Austin Water Conservation

Proudly Serving These Streets and Areas in Austin

Austin’s lawn care services cover:

• Central/Downtown: Hyde Park, Clarksville, Old West Austin, Downtown, University of Texas campus, Shoal Creek corridor
• North: North Loop, Allandale, Crestview, North Burnet, Wells Branch, Gracywoods, Walnut Creek, Domain area
• South: Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Zilker, South Lamar, Circle C Ranch, Shady Hollow, Onion Creek, Slaughter Lane corridor
• East: Mueller, Windsor Park, Cherrywood, East Cesar Chavez, Govalle, Springdale, MLK Blvd corridor
• West: Tarrytown, Westlake Hills, Rollingwood, Barton Creek, Lost Creek, Lake Austin area
• Landmarks & Parks: Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake Trail, Barton Springs, Mueller Lake Park, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, Austin High School, McCallum High School, Barton Creek Greenbelt
• Special Considerations: HOA-regulated subdivisions, floodplain areas near Shoal Creek and Onion Creek, water district rules in Circle C and Lost Creek, historic preservation in Hyde Park and Old West Austin

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin, TX 78753
Phone: (512) 239-1000
Official Website: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Lower Colorado River Authority
3700 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 473-3200
Official Website: Lower Colorado River Authority

National Weather Service - Austin/San Antonio Office
2090 Airport Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 606-3617
Official Website: National Weather Service Offices Serving Texas

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
1201 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75270
Phone: (214) 665-2200
Official Website: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6

Austin’s approach to lawn care integrates regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, ensuring healthy landscapes that protect local waterways, conserve resources, and enhance quality of life for all residents.