HOA Landscaping Tips for Homeowners

If you live in a homeowners’ association (HOA), following your HOA landscaping rules is a cost-effective way to enhance the community’s aesthetic and improve your property’s curb appeal. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the cost recovery of simple lawn care service for the average homeowner is an impressive 217%! Read on for more on the benefits of HOA landscape maintenance and tips for keeping up with your homeowners’ association landscaping rules.

The Importance of Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to a property’s outward attractiveness, including a home’s landscaping. The NAR report shares that 92% of realtors recommend improving curb appeal before sellers list their homes. Using this information to attract more homebuyers will help you get the best offers and maximum return on your investment.

Researching and Understanding Your HOA’s Landscaping Rules

Every HOA has a set of landscaping rules that homeowners are required to follow. Although these rules will vary between communities, many HOAs share similar landscaping guidelines, including these common rules:

Lawn maintenance. Associations outline how often residents should mow and water their lawns. The rules will also include requirements for weed removal and maintaining other greenery in the yard.
Approved plant lists. HOAs typically have a pre-approved plant list to help maintain the community’s aesthetic and keep pests out of the neighborhood. It may be a violation to add additional plants to your landscaping without HOA approval.
Lawn decorations. In many communities, lawn decorations, sculptures, or furniture are strictly controlled. Not only does this promote aesthetic harmony, but it can prevent clutter and safety hazards.
Tree removal. Mature trees add value to a home and neighborhood in several ways, so you’ll likely need approval before removing them from your property.
Fence regulations. Some communities only allow approved materials or prohibit fences over a certain height.

Why Do HOAs Have Landscaping Guidelines?

HOAs put landscaping guidelines in place to benefit the community and association members. Implementing landscaping rules can help:

Preserve the desirable aesthetic of the community
Protect and enhance home values
Reinforce the importance of the governing documents
Maintain a clean and safe neighborhood
Boost homeowner and community pride

Benefits of Adhering to HOA-Approved Landscaping Tips

As an association member, following your HOA landscape maintenance rules can have long-term benefits, such as:

Improved Community Safety

Maintaining your property’s landscaping can make your home and neighborhood safer. Trimmed trees and hedges improve visibility and promote better lighting, boosting community security. Clean yards also prevent clutter, which can help homeowners avoid accidents.

Avoid HOA Violations and Fees

If you don’t stick to your HOA landscaping rules, you will likely face warnings, violations, and possible fees for your non-compliance. Staying on top of your home’s landscaping keeps you in good standing.

Learn More: Top Frequently Asked Questions About HOA Violations

Demonstrate Good Stewardship to Fellow Residents

Following landscaping guidelines also shows that you respect the community and other homeowners. When you boost your home’s curb appeal, you set a good example and encourage others to do the same.

Cost Savings

Regular landscaping maintenance can also save you money in the long run. In addition to adding value to your property, you can avoid expensive projects or repairs when poorly maintained landscaping causes damage. For example, overgrown tree branches can damage the roof during a storm.

Maintaining Your Landscaping to Meet HOA Standards

To keep your yard up to your association’s standards, here are essential HOA landscape maintenance tips:

Mow your lawn regularly
Aerate and fertilize your lawn and garden
Prune and trim bushes and shrubs
Add mulch to garden beds
Use approved herbicides and pesticides
Schedule ongoing professional maintenance

Economic Landscaping Ideas That Are HOA-Friendly

For many homeowners, every dollar saved makes a difference. Fortunately, there are things you can do to lower your landscaping expenses and keep yard maintenance on budget.

Choose the Right Plants

Low-maintenance plants don’t need rigorous monitoring or care. Consider sturdy plants or flowers for your yard, such as liriope, junipers, or geranium, to save on having to care for or replace them.

Implement Hardscaping Elements

Hardscaping creates aesthetic designs using bricks, pavers, gravel, or concrete to make beautiful patios, driveways, firepits, and walkways. With more hardscaping elements, you may benefit from lower yard maintenance costs.

Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

While outdoor lighting can significantly improve your yard’s aesthetic, it can also add to your home’s energy bill. By installing energy-efficient lighting options, you can save money while upgrading your home’s exterior and promoting sustainability.

Before making adjustments to your landscaping, check your governing documents or ask your board to see if these changes are allowed or need prior approval.

Political Yard Sign Rules for HOAs

HOA landscaping rules help communities maintain their aesthetic, enhance curb appeal, boost home values, and attract potential homebuyers. As elections draw near, now is an excellent time to review a key part of those rules by looking at your HOA’s policies on posting political signs in yards. Our ebook, “FAQs: HOAs & Politics,” has all the details on appropriate political expression and complying with community guidelines.