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HOA Landscaping Policy

Policies

Policy governing homeowner landscaping responsibilities, approved plant lists, maintenance standards, and enforcement.

About this template

Landscaping standards protect property values and community aesthetics while giving homeowners clear guidance about what they can and cannot plant or modify. A well-drafted landscaping policy reduces disputes about overgrown lawns, unapproved plantings, and maintenance responsibilities. This template covers grass height limits, approved and prohibited plants, irrigation rules, seasonal cleanup requirements, and the board's authority to remedy violations at the homeowner's expense.

What's included
  • Grass height limits and mowing frequency
  • Approved and prohibited plant species
  • Tree trimming and removal requirements
  • Irrigation system rules and water restrictions
  • Seasonal cleanup and debris removal obligations
  • Board's right to perform remedial landscaping at owner's expense
When to use this template

Adopt this policy in the spring or at the start of the growing season. Distribute to all homeowners and include in new homeowner welcome packets.

Template preview
Replace all [BRACKETED] fields with your community's details
[COMMUNITY NAME] HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
LANDSCAPING POLICY
Adopted: [DATE] | Effective: [DATE]

1. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each homeowner is responsible for maintaining all landscaping within their lot boundaries, including lawns, shrubs, trees, and flower beds.

2. GRASS HEIGHT
Grass must be maintained at a height not exceeding [6] inches. Lawns must be mowed as needed to maintain this standard.

3. APPROVED PLANTS
Homeowners may install the following without prior approval:
- [List approved shrubs, flowers, and ground cover]

PROHIBITED PLANTS
The following are prohibited:
- Invasive species (e.g., bamboo, kudzu)
- Trees exceeding [X] feet in mature height without ARC approval
- Plants known to cause allergies or hazards to common areas

4. TREE REMOVAL
Removal of any tree with a trunk diameter of [X] inches at breast height requires prior written approval from the Architectural Review Committee.

5. IRRIGATION
All irrigation must comply with local water restrictions. Watering is permitted [DAYS / TIMES].

6. SEASONAL CLEANUP
Homeowners must remove fallen leaves and debris from their property [frequency — e.g., weekly during fall].

7. REMEDIAL ACTION
If a homeowner fails to maintain landscaping in compliance with this policy, the Board may perform remedial work and assess the cost to the homeowner's account.

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Tip

Adopt this policy in the spring or at the start of the growing season. Distribute to all homeowners and include in new homeowner welcome packets.

LotWize generates this automatically with your community's actual details

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This template provides general guidance only — not legal advice. HOA rules and document requirements vary by state and by your governing documents. Always consult an HOA attorney before using any document in a legal or enforcement context.