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CD1
Posts: 5
Posted:
Our CCRs require that undeveloped lots (the majority in our development) be "mowed to the tree line". This had been neglected and the new Board addressed this by sending out letters to the many lot owners not doing this. Almost everyone complied right away.
The problem? Because we are in a hilly area and many lots have steep slopes on at least some portion, the landscape maintenance contractors walk up and down the sandy hillsides with weed eaters, as it is too steep to use mowers. In our letter to the owners, we asked that the plants (weeds and scrub) growing on these slopes be left at least 8" high which was our landscape architect suggested to keep the slopes stable. Well, they were all pretty much scalped, exposing bare sand and dirt. We are in a rainy area and the rains then wash the soil into our drainage ditches.
I spoke to one of the maintenance guys and he said they cannot practically cut to a certain height, as his workers can barely walk safely on the slopes as it is. We would like to tell lot owners NOT to cut their slopes and let them naturalize. This raises two problems.
One is that this violates the maintenance requirements in our CCRs. And two, with most homeowners wanting the manicured look (many were objecting to the look of the weedy slopes), we doubt we could get the 2/3 majority vote to change these documents. Some homeowners have tried to landscape these slopes with very poor results and even matting, mulching and plantings have not kept them stable.
Anyone living in a mountainous area with suggestions?
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
Bring in a landscape horticulturist to consult with you about stablizing the slopes with natural grundcovers, trees and plants.

Your CCRs are not being violated. That's just common sense that this is an area that does not fit into your "up to the tree line" criteria.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posted:

CD,

I am a Master Gardener in S.E Tennessee where every yard is partially along the side of a mountain or unreachable area to cut and landscape. We stress planting native plants and trees, the ones that grow there naturally. North Carolina has a Forestry division and the U. of N. Carolina has a plant Sciences Division where you can get FREE information on caring for these sloped areas. Use this great resource. I can also provide you with a list of good plants for hillsides and slopes.

With the proper groundcovers and hillside trees, you can overcome the difficult landscape problems. Get the members and Board to allow for a couple of "Test" yards to see how beautiful this can be done without major cost and work. Documents can always be changed from the wording which requires cutting into this natural area. (NO KUDZU PLEASE)

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