Bridging the Divide: Strategies for Homeowners and HOAs Working Together Gail Hansen, PhD. Environmental Horticulture, CLCE
Perceptions of Florida-Friendly Landscapes Influencing Agreement between Homeowners and HOA Boards Homeowners HOA board members Perceptions/knowledge of FFL Preferences for landscapes
HOA Board Members Aesthetics/property value trump environmental concerns More turf = home value FFL - not aesthetically pleasing/did not fit
HOA Board Members Narrow idea of acceptable FFL - more difficult to monitor and confront owners FFL environmentally friendly, concerned FFL plants invasive
Residents Aesthetics/environment important Open to turf alternatives Willing to be different, but not too different
Residents Enforcement of regulations were inconsistent Change regulations to benefit the environment FFL plants drought resistant, native, wildlife friendly
Both Identified FFL with water conservation Did not like stones or weeds HOA approval important
Both Homes are emotional investments Difficulty visualizing FFL landscapes Value of codified regulations
Important Concepts Turf is a catalyst for difference of opinion/discussion. Not all yards can support turf Always include some turf, (unless area is natural and other yards have no turf). Turf is the common feature that provides continuity Weeds catalyst for maintenance disputes- represent lack of responsibility Design landscape to minimize weedsuse mulch!
Important Concepts Concern about being outside of norms is about maintenance not about FFL vs. Traditional Observe yards to determine what appears to be the norm for maintenance Aesthetics not about how pretty - about plant selection, location, maintenance Design landscapes to look good with very little maintenance- plants with clean forms
Strategy 1: Become familiar with FFL Traditional foundation beds Turf strips along curbs or sidewalks Use a variety of plants for biodiversity Plant selection Design for maintenance
Strategy 2: Understand the FFL State Law Barbara Stage, Stage and Associates, PA
Strategy 3: Become familiar with your HOA Landscaping rules and regulations Review approval process Check regulations No improvements without approval in writing Construction plans, proposed landscaping, elevation/rendering, tree survey Sole discretion Approval applies to modification of landscaping including planting and removal of plants
Strategy 3: Become familiar with your HOA Read association newsletter Review property survey Meet/elect board members
Strategy 4: Observe landscapes in your community Neighborhood styles Arrangement of plants Plant choices Use of turf Material choices
Strategy 5: Study photos of FFL yards from other communities Note design features in photos of FFL yards (FFL website) Include photos in application similar to your yard
Strategy 6: Do an inventory and analysis of your yard Record site conditions Analyze site conditions
Strategy 7: Create a list of FFL plants Compile a list of plants the grow well in neighborhood Compile list of desired FFL plants- Compare lists Check against HOA recommended plant list
Strategy 8: Use hardscape or mulch groundcover in your yard Incorporate other materials Use pathways Design hardscape areas first
Strategy 9: Develop a landscape plan Draw a master site plan Include photos of plants with plan
Strategy 10: Include a description of the landscape in your application Explain neighborhood fit Turf strip Similar plants Same form plant beds Explain plant choices Low maintenance Pest resistant Low water use Long lived Aesthetic
Design for Maintenance Plant selection Homeowner or professional Type of maintenance Design for Aesthetics Plant selection Plants with pleasing form Fit aesthetics of neighborhood Design for Environment Plant selection Plants pest and disease resistant Water use and protection
EDIS Publication Tips for gaining HOA approval Tour FFL Landscape research plots, Gainesville