HOA Landscaping Issues: Navigating Disputes and Finding Solutions

Forget the stereotype of grumpy gardeners clashing with overzealous HOAs! In today’s diverse communities, homeowners and their associations are increasingly finding creative ways to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of property maintenance. While some challenges may appear like unexpected weeds, let’s explore everyday HOA landscaping issues where collaboration blooms into beautiful solutions for everyone’s outdoor spaces.

• Maintenance disputes can happen when homeowners disagree on how the HOA should maintain the common areas. For example, some homeowners may want the grass to be cut short, while others may prefer it to be longer. Disputes can also arise over the types of grass, shrubs, and trees that should be used and the frequency of mowing, pruning, edging, and watering. HOAs typically have landscaping guidelines developed collaboratively with community member input, possibly via their landscape committee, that should be clear, comprehensive, and readily accessible to all homeowners. Regular communication helps everyone understand expectations and avoid unintentional violations.
• Drainage problems: Poor drainage can lead to several issues, such as flooding, erosion, and mosquito breeding. If an HOA community has drainage problems, addressing them is essential to avoid further damage. We typically recommend channeling downspouts underground to outlets away from homes. We will thoroughly evaluate how your drainage impacts your HOA landscape’s health throughout our partnership with your HOA. 
• Tree care: Trees can add beauty and value to an HOA community, but they can also be a source of problems. For example, trees can block the view of vehicular traffic along streets and driveways. Poorly maintained trees and storms can cause them to fall over and damage property. Their roots can crack sidewalks and driveways. Over time, tree canopies can negatively impact particular sun-loving turf and landscaping types. HOAS need to have a plan for tree care, which should include regular inspections, fertilization, pruning, and pest control as needed.
• Encroachment: Encroachment occurs when a homeowner plants trees or shrubs on common or neighboring property. An example of problematic encroachment is the limbs of large trees on a property, threatening structures on neighboring properties, and creating disputes over care, pruning, and removal. 
• Pets and landscaping: Pets are essential to us all, but they can likewise damage landscaping, such as by digging up plants, urinating, and defecating on them. Furthermore, many plants are toxic to dogs and pets. These are a few issues HOAs face when considering landscape maintenance, new landscaping, and developing rules regarding pets. 

Suppose you are experiencing any of these landscaping issues in your HOA community. In that case, understand the existing rules and talk to your HOA board. The board is accustomed to working with members collectively to find a fair solution.

Here are some additional tips for preventing landscaping issues in your HOA community:

• Have clear and concise landscaping guidelines: These guidelines should be included in the HOA’s governing documents. They should spell out what is and is not allowed, such as the types of plants that can be planted, the height of fences, and who has landscape maintenance responsibilities.
• Communicate with your neighbors: If you see something you think violates your HOA landscaping guidelines, review them to refresh your knowledge. Then, talk nicely with your neighbor and HOA board as necessary. You see something; say something.
• Get involved in your HOA: One of the best ways to stay informed of HOA rules and avoid landscaping issues is to get involved in your HOA. Attend board meetings, volunteer for committees, and run for office. The more involved you are, the more influence you will have on the decisions that are made about your community.
• Professional Landscaping Services: Consider hiring professional landscaping services to manage common areas. This can ensure consistent maintenance quality and potentially reduce conflict among residents.

Forget “disputes”! Let’s end this story on a note of flourishing collaboration! Remember, every HOA is a unique ecosystem, and just like a lush garden, it thrives on the diversity of its residents and their ideas. By openly sharing visions, embracing respectful dialogue, and exploring creative solutions, homeowners and HOAs can nurture landscapes that reflect the true beauty of community. So, let’s not just “enjoy” our HOA spaces, let’s actively cultivate them together, transforming each challenge into a blooming opportunity for shared growth and flourishing greenery! Just remember, with a sprinkle of understanding, a dash of flexibility, and a whole lot of collaborative spirit, every HOA community can blossom into a vibrant haven for everyone to cherish. Now, let’s go out there and get our hands dirty in the good kind of way, planting the seeds of a flourishing future for our collective outdoor living landscape paradise!

Also consider these articles; 10 Benefits of HOA’s for Homeowners, HOA Landscape Committee Responsibilities, HOA Sustainable Landscaping Services with Rockaway, Florida HOAs Navigate Shifting Landscape in 2023, and Differences between HOA and CDD.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites in Jacksonville and St. Johns County, Rockaway Inc., your outdoor living experts, proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.