Landscaping
The planned arrangement of plants, trees, hardscape, and irrigation systems in common areas and other portions of the community maintained by the association. Landscaping is a significant operating expense and includes lawn care, tree trimming, seasonal planting, irrigation maintenance, and pest control. It directly impacts property values and curb appeal. Drought-tolerant landscaping has become increasingly important in water-restricted regions.
Example in Context
The board approved a $45,000 project to replace the community's aging irrigation system with a smart controller and drought-tolerant plantings, reducing annual water costs by 40%.
State-Specific Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an HOA require drought-tolerant landscaping?
Yes. In California, Civil Code Section 4735 actually prohibits HOAs from requiring turf (grass) in common areas or individual lots and from penalizing homeowners who replace turf with drought-tolerant landscaping. HOAs can still set reasonable aesthetic standards for the replacement landscaping but cannot mandate water-intensive lawns.