Lawncare tutorial for residences

Started by TroyH • 25 replies • 1516 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Hello All,
New to the site here... Name's Troy and live in Cypress, Texas. I'm on the Architectural Review Committee, but will probably be part of the board after our July annual meeting. I wanted to get a feel of experiences on a couple of things.

1st. We have a group of residences, about 10 families, that moved out into the subdivision about a year ago. It's obvious they have no clue on the normal lawncare tasks (ie. mowing, weedeating, edging, weeding flower beds, etc). We've sent notices a couple of times for them to address issues. In their defense, they tried, but still are way off the mark (it's painfully obvious they were all apartment dwellers before). In the spirit of being neighborly and non-confrontational, I wanted to get with one of their friends I know well and try to instruct them on what's expected. There are numerous people here in the subdivision who think by them "just looking around", they should learn. I know they don't have any malice intent, they just don't know.... I'll be bringing it up during the annual meeting. In the past, I have brought it to the attention of all those in the meetings and we all agree on the minimum standards; mowing, weedeating, edging and cleaning out flower beds. And, for those that live on the central park pond, they have to keep their backyards up to speed since they are visible with a wrough-iron fence instead of a cedar privacy.............

2nd. What are your thoughts of a quarterly meeting? Right now, we only have the one annual meeting. If I'm elected to the board, I'd like the have more than one annual meeting. This way, more residences can voice their opinions or troubles or come to the table with good ideas for community involvement. I want everyone to feel like they have a vested interested in the complete neighborhood, not just their home/yard. After all, living in a subdivision, we all effect one another in some way, whether it be positive or negative.........

Our subdivision is rather small in the scheme of things, about 110 homes..........

Thanks for any insight..
Troy

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

"it's painfully obvious they were all apartment dwellers before"

I am confused by this statement - are you insinuating apartment dwellers cannot comprehend nice landscaping? That's an insulting, broadbrush statement if I ever heard one.

What would you try to get with one of their friends instead of going straight to the source?

If landscaping requirements are specified in the bylaws, you need do no more than provide a simple letter referring to the particular section. If they are not - butt out.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

1 - if you've sent notices and they've ignored them, you'll need to check your CCRs to see what should happen next. Do you fine them? Sue them to compel them to straighten up and fly right? Or does the Association do the work and send them the bill?

I don't think you should bring the friend into this - perhaps you should visit them (with one or two board members so there are witnesses) and point out the specific problems they're have. Maybe the letter wasn't clear, although one can usually tell there's a problem if the grass is 3 feet high! Take pictures of the house to show to them - it's one thing to tell someone about the problem, but they live there and might not see things the way a neighbor might. You'll also need to time and date stamp those photos in case things escalate to mediation or legal action.

Finally, you may want to run something in the newsletter about what's expected of everyone, citing examples of what's not good (you don't have to name names and shouldn't list addresses at all - a vivid description might do the trick)

2 - Quarterly meetings are a good idea - they don't have to be a formal annual meeting style setting. Call it a "town hall" meeting and perhaps tell people specific issues will be discussed, such as - lawn care/landscaping. Otherwise, you may get a meeting that will quickly get out of control. Good luck!

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ValerieS2 on 06/13/2011 7:47 AM
"it's painfully obvious they were all apartment dwellers before"

I am confused by this statement - are you insinuating apartment dwellers cannot comprehend nice landscaping? That's an insulting, broadbrush statement if I ever heard one.

What would you try to get with one of their friends instead of going straight to the source?

If landscaping requirements are specified in the bylaws, you need do no more than provide a simple letter referring to the particular section. If they are not - butt out.

Get a grip, I said "THEY" were apartment dwellers, not that apartment dwellers don't know how to maintain a lawn. So, you should stop throwing stones when you don't know the complete situation. I'm not going to get into a pissing contest. There are plenty of residences along the street that have expressed their displeasure about how the lawns look and I'm trying my best to pacify both side of the issue..... But, to clarify and make things right by you, I'll just say these particular residents don't have a clue on the completeness of residential single-family lawncare.
First of all, I do KNOW they were apartment dwellers and no, I'm not going to butt out. I'm an active member of the community, on the Architectural Review Commitee (ARC) and a homeowner. I refuse the let the lack of care, hence causing a visual eyesore, from effecting my visual quality of life and home value. I have been told by our management company that it's never a good idea to confront the resident straight up. You never know if the day you approach them if it's been a bad day for them. I'm trying to be diplomtic about it. You wanna know the complete story is all these couples are from an Asian ethicity and I don't want to offend anyone. There are plenty anglo-homeowners (in our subdivision) that have the mentality of "just let them figure it out on their own". And yes, I'm anglo, so I'm not sterotyping. I want to know the best and most tactful way in approaching the situation and residents, hence me working with my neighbor-friend who's of the same ethic group. I wasn't planning on having him do the "dirty" work, I was planning on him to give me guidance. Part of being an active member of the community organization is being the 'bad guy' since one of the responsibilities is bringing infractions to the attention of residents.

Quote:

Posted By SheliaH on 06/13/2011 7:51 AM
1 - if you've sent notices and they've ignored them, you'll need to check your CCRs to see what should happen next. Do you fine them? Sue them to compel them to straighten up and fly right? Or does the Association do the work and send them the bill?

I don't think you should bring the friend into this - perhaps you should visit them (with one or two board members so there are witnesses) and point out the specific problems they're have. Maybe the letter wasn't clear, although one can usually tell there's a problem if the grass is 3 feet high! Take pictures of the house to show to them - it's one thing to tell someone about the problem, but they live there and might not see things the way a neighbor might. You'll also need to time and date stamp those photos in case things escalate to mediation or legal action.

Finally, you may want to run something in the newsletter about what's expected of everyone, citing examples of what's not good (you don't have to name names and shouldn't list addresses at all - a vivid description might do the trick)

2 - Quarterly meetings are a good idea - they don't have to be a formal annual meeting style setting. Call it a "town hall" meeting and perhaps tell people specific issues will be discussed, such as - lawn care/landscaping. Otherwise, you may get a meeting that will quickly get out of control. Good luck!

We have sent out notices. But, per my friend who talks with them, they apparently don't understand everything. For, the day after we sent the notices out, many of the families addressed the issues, but it's like they don't understand weedeating the house means just that, weedeating/trmming around the complete house (for those that face the pond in particular for their property is observable front and rear). Then, the next week they mow, but there's no weedeating at all and St.Augustine grass runners are starting to grow over the driveway edge.
Our subdivision is rather young in the scheme of things. It's only 4 years old and the actual HOA control by residents on the board is only one year now. Prior to that, it was the developer who reigned while giving us residences say in the ARC post-move-in. Because of our youth, we don't have a newsletter yet, just a yahoo community group. We're hoping we get more involvement soon. Our subdivision is rather small in the scheme of things, only 110 homes. As of now, the management company doesn't police the area for violations or problems with community areas. We have to do that ourselves. Once our disposible revenue increases, we could add that to the fees they already charge us. Policing the neighborhood by the management company now is at an additional cost.
We will probably mention something about the Lien system at the meeting. We have some residents that have yet to pay a single year's HOA annual dues.

I'm just trying to make things better for all parties concerned on either side of the issue. Inlew of taking pictures, I wanted to just physcially show them what is meant instead of letters that may eventually be misread or misunderstood again. Each year at the annual meeting, we address the people's understanding and definition of lawn care. We vote and all agree. Yes, the deed restrictions state that yards must be keep in a maintained condition, but it doesn't get into the details and particulars. I define the particulars at the annual meeting, hence it's in the minutes..

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Quote:

Yes, the deed restrictions state that yards must be keep in a maintained condition, but it doesn't get into the details and particulars. I define the particulars at the annual meeting, hence it's in the minutes..

You may be overstepping your bounds of the word "maintained" as listed in the deed. Just because you define the particulars at the meetings and add it to the minutes doesn't mean its legal. Sure you can tell people what to do, but I dont think you have the legal right to do so.

I would also ignore you if you told me I was required to edge my driveway with a weed wacker as required by the minutes. LOL.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Troy,

My 2 cents worth is that you might download a pamphlet from U. of Texes Extension on maintaining lawns in your area. Hand them out to the residents and a few might take a subtle hint.

You also have to understand that what all of us green people are trying to do is to lessen the enormous use of processed water to maintain our landscapes that are not drought and environmentally friendly. Have you ever heard of Xeriscape? This planting systems eliminates the use of much or your irrigation needs by planting differently.

Perhaps you may have to change your expectations on what you and some of the others think on what constitues correct landscape practices. It is hard to change our old ways that everyone needs a perfectly manicured green, lush lawn. We don't and the sooner that we get into a better relationship with our water resources, the better off our future water supply will be.

FACT!! 55% of processed water useage goes onto landscape.

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

"Get a grip, I said "THEY" were apartment dwellers, not that apartment dwellers don't know how to maintain a lawn."

Then please explain the inference by your statement below:

"(it's painfully obvious they were all apartment dwellers before)."

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Miss Valerie and MR. Troy,

Please consider a "time out" and let us continue with giving some possible solutions to the original post. It's Monday!

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

Thanks for the suggestion Donna. Are you the new Board moderator? I called him out on a nasty statement and make no apology for it.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Valorie,

No, I am not the moderator but I have been a regular on the site for more than 6 years. We have had all kinds of people come and go. The ones that have lasted have done so because of their even demeanor and attitudes towards those posters who like to rattle everyone else. And if and when it gets uncomfortable for any of us, we do contact the moderator who does an awesome job of maintaining a friendly site.

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

Donna,

I'm not sure I appreciate your insinuations. So because you have been a regualr poster for 6 years you think that gives you some kind of license to try to control what someone else says? The manner in which you tried to do so was insulting and childish (suggesting a "time out").

Perhaps you chose to ignore his comment disparaging apartment dwellers. I chose not to. If people are afraid to give their honest opinions abouts posts - this site is not worth much. So please - refrain from dispensing advice on how to post, well intentioned as it may be.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Valerie,

I do not have a license to control you or any one else. I do have the ability to remind anyone that starts using the site like a blog (which it is not) that we have rules that say "This is a positive place for community association leaders to share ideas and learn" It is the yellow banner on the top of this page.

I addressed you and Troy and did not single you out. That is the only response that I shall end this with.

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

It is precisely BECAUSE it is supposed to be positive that I reminded Troy that it is irresponsible to disparage a large segment of the population that way. Again, I am not sure why you felt the need to jump in and tell me I needed a "time out".

Not going to hold it against you, lets move on.

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SteveM9 on 06/13/2011 9:16 AM

Ok Valerie and Steve, not sure where the heck the negativtism's coming from. I'm asking for constructive guidance on how to deal with a problem that's been voiced to me by a lot of other residences. If I wanted to be attacked, I would have stayed in Iraq and let the Taliban have their way with me... So, with that being said, here's part of the deed restrictions in our neighborhood so there's no "if's, and's or but's.. I'm somebody that'll volunteer and help out when I can. So, having people migrate to me about issues isn't surprising and I'm sure practically every HOA in the country have those types. Someone's gotta do it............

Section 8. Landscaping
(b) All front and side yards of each Lot shall, unless otherwise approved by the ARC, be sodded with grass; provided that, under no circumstances shall the predominant area of the front or side of a Lot be covered with stone, rock, or gravel.

(c) All landscaping for a Lot shall be completed no later than thirty (30) days following the occupancy of the residence. Each owner must maintain the lot in accordance with the minimum ARC approved landscaping criteria and additions thereto which have been approved by the ARC. All landscaping on a Lot must be maintained by the Owner at all times in a neat and attractive manner.

contined through (g)...

Being that I am an appointment member of the ARC by the Board, I do have a say in the matter. Residences have migrated to me to voice their displeasure with the previously mentioned yards. The residents, of which I'm only one of, aren't asking that the neighborhood look like it's a freshly manicured area of DisneyWorld. We're asking for everyday, common-sense upkeep reflective of the type of neighborhood we live and bought into. Being that the neighborhood is so new, we all, that care, are trying to set a precedence for the future. We don't live in the country and don't have gravel road driveways (hence driveways should be edged). It is an upper middle-class neighhorhood. Poorly maintained lots bring the whole asthetic beauty of the neighborhood down. I'll be the first one to say, I have a right for this or that. But, I too choose to live in a neighborhood, not the country. And, with that decision comes a little bit more responisbility and awareness of my immediate surroundings and the effect it has on my neighbors. This goes for everyone else in the subdivision. We all signed the HOA document when we closed on our homes.

We're not looking for the yards to be "Lush" as someone stated. We're in the middle of a major drought here in Houston and everyone's effected. But, when it comes to routine manicuring during the process of "cutting" one's yard, there are minimum standards. No, is it spelled out in the deed restrictions in an itemized fashion?,,, no. But, we all did, as a group of residences, express the will and wishes of all. This isn't something that's been thought about over a beer and BBQ at my, or anyone else's, house. It was done in the formal setting of the annual HOA meeting, discussed and voted on... Not sure how one can get more fair than that. Granted, some of these residents moved in afterwards, but the Board has made every attempt to send them "warm and fuzzy" letters of "areas that need attention"... Now, I'm trying to go one step further without litigation or more notices. I just want to try and talk with them person to person, but in a culturally respectful way. We are all different, hence sometimes we need to adjust our tactics of approach.

Shelia and Donna, thanks for the input...

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

troy,

It is funny how everyone views their yards in a different way. My Husband, also a Master Gardener is an expert in Fescue lawns, which luckily happens to be our required variety in our developement. It is a difficult type of grass to keep green in the summertime and is prone to bugs, fungus and just plain drying up. Yet, we have the greenest, lushest lawn in the entire place. Next door, not so much.

The Developer has sent notice to everyone, including us, to get the lawns in shape because he cannot sell lots when the place looks like fried straw. Has that helped? Not at all despite it being in the covenants that all lawns must be kept green.

I understand your unhappiness with your neighborhoods lack of good grooming practices on their lawns but being in Texas and you already have stated that there has been droughts recently, maybe this might be a chance to perhaps install some Native and water friendly yards. Try a test yard someplace. Do you know if Texas has water friendly and environmental and water use programs? Here in Tennessee we have Yards and Neighborhoods programs from the State Water Quality management division to help us creat water friendly yards. You might have them to for a test program to try.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Troy,

By the way-------------THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

JamesC (Maryland)
Posts: 282

Posted:

TroyH
Reading your post I agree with your complete assesement. I was one of "those" apartment dwellers before purchasing my home. I knew nothing about landscaping, and would have appreciated any advice I could have received from a homeowner.
Most apartment dwellers, and in particular "those" condo-owners who are living in them, are doing so, because they do not like to do landscaping. (Nothing wrong with that)

ValerieS2:
This board was created to be a site for positive, and sometimes's even negative advice for board members and property management personnel to assist with the smooth running of our communities.
Your attack on Donna:
"Thanks for the suggestion Donna. Are you the new Board moderator? I called him out on a nasty statement and make no apology for it."

Not sure by your confrontational attitude right out of the gate, if you are a member of any board, or maybe one of "those" apartment dwellers who is just looking to argue.
"If" you are a member of any board, and did not like the post from TroyH, you should have probably not replied, with such a negative response. Chill out.

TroyH
We have nine Board of Directors, and hold one Annual Meeting a year. We then hold a board meeting each month, with all homeowners invited to attend.
I hope you become a board member, and remain on the Arc Committee, so you can let "those" old apartment dwellers, who have become proud homeowners to have better looking yards.

JIm

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

James,

What you call an attack I call defending my right to post as I see fit, not according to other poster's preferences. Thanks for the advice though.

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JamesC on 06/16/2011 7:08 AM
TroyH
Reading your post I agree with your complete assesement. I was one of "those" apartment dwellers before purchasing my home. I knew nothing about landscaping, and would have appreciated any advice I could have received from a homeowner.
Most apartment dwellers, and in particular "those" condo-owners who are living in them, are doing so, because they do not like to do landscaping. (Nothing wrong with that)

ValerieS2:
This board was created to be a site for positive, and sometimes's even negative advice for board members and property management personnel to assist with the smooth running of our communities.
Your attack on Donna:
"Thanks for the suggestion Donna. Are you the new Board moderator? I called him out on a nasty statement and make no apology for it."

Not sure by your confrontational attitude right out of the gate, if you are a member of any board, or maybe one of "those" apartment dwellers who is just looking to argue.
"If" you are a member of any board, and did not like the post from TroyH, you should have probably not replied, with such a negative response. Chill out.

TroyH
We have nine Board of Directors, and hold one Annual Meeting a year. We then hold a board meeting each month, with all homeowners invited to attend.
I hope you become a board member, and remain on the Arc Committee, so you can let "those" old apartment dwellers, who have become proud homeowners to have better looking yards.

JIm

Thanks Jim for your constructive and keen observation. You have 9 board members !!!??? How big is your community? Ours has 110 homes. So, I would think 3 would be adequate?

Quote:

Posted By ValerieS2 on 06/16/2011 9:40 AM
James,

What you call an attack I call defending my right to post as I see fit, not according to other poster's preferences. Thanks for the advice though.

Doesn't make it right........ Defending your right? ....Man, that's such an overused cliche......... Oh, by the way, you're very welcome..... I mean, I fought the fight so you could exercise "your right".. And, I continue to fight the fight.

What I'm trying to bring to the board, and currently on the ARC, is that of integrity and trustworthiness along with an open mind to input and suggestions from others. In my 47 years of life, I've learn to see what I see and call it like it is. Sometimes I sugarcoat things, sometimes I don't.............. Some people need to grow thicker skin............. If the majority are together, than that's the way it goes....

JamesC (Maryland)
Posts: 282

Posted:

Troy:

We are located in Maryland, and have 167 homes in our private community. We have nine board members, because as you said they become burnt out, and some do not last their full terms. It's safe to have back up's.
We just held an election for three at our Annual Meeting last month. Next May we will elect three more, and the following May, three more.
Each member serves a three year term until they either give it up, or are relected in three years. I have served for two terms, and will probably run again in 2012. I am the current President of the Board, and it is not so easy.
I used to read the posts on this site quite often, but seldom responded, because there was some differences of opinions that become pretty strong among a few responders.
For the most part however, the site has always had helpful and informative information supplied by some very knowledgable people.

Thank you and all the Military Personnel who have served to protect our freedom, and way of life. Not enough can be said:::

Hope you like serving on your board

Jim

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

Troy/James,

I'm not sure why you keep rehashing this. I didn't give you a free pass on insulting apartment dwellers. You stated your case - I stated mine. I would recommend you get over it. Nor do I give you credit, personally, for the fact that I have freedom of speech. You are proving yourself to be a self righteous hot head.

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ValerieS2 on 06/16/2011 11:22 AM
Troy/James,

I'm not sure why you keep rehashing this. I didn't give you a free pass on insulting apartment dwellers. You stated your case - I stated mine. I would recommend you get over it. Nor do I give you credit, personally, for the fact that I have freedom of speech. You are proving yourself to be a self righteous hot head.

HAHAHA... rehashing? Me? Never.. Like you,, I'm just responding to your comment, to James, about you defending yourself (apparently from me).... Self-righteous hothead?.. Again... You make me laugh... Who's the 1st one throwing out personal attacks of demeaning words and titles, not me... Look in the mirror........... And to be frank... I doubt you've ever lifted a finger to help provide protection for anyone's freedom other than maybe yourself... At least I'm doing it.... Frankly, I don't care if you don't think I'm worthy of a "thank you", don't need it. I know throughout the world, there are those that help, those that need help and those that just go along for the ride at someone else's expense..... I know where I am in the world and in regards to this country and it's view of me. Thankfully, I will not lose any sleep tonight knowing you think I'm a, as you say, self-righteous hot head... Actually, I think it's pretty funny and caused a little chuckle....

I came here with best of intentions, too bad you didn't see it like others did..

You are right.. No need to rehash anything here.... You're not worthy... Go continue the good work of your community/condo, I hear them calling.

Best regards...
Troy

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Let's get back to business here. I do have a perfect solution. Hire a landscape company to do all of the yards. They will be done the same. Quality might be an issue but at least--They will all be the same.

(Jes trying to make you smile)

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

Troy,

I actually feel a little sorry for you. It seems you cannot carry on a conversation, nor make a point without referring to your military sacrifices. Most honorable veterans I know do not brag about it the way you do. I'm sure you served the country well and proudly. We can continue this ridiculous back and forth or stick to the topics at hand.

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

I tried...

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DonnaS on 06/16/2011 12:19 PM

Let's get back to business here. I do have a perfect solution. Hire a landscape company to do all of the yards. They will be done the same. Quality might be an issue but at least--They will all be the same.

(Jes trying to make you smile)

I have suggested that to some of them...

At our July Annual Meeting we'll bring up the criteria again for the "newbies". All these residents have moved in after last years meeting.... I will be speaking with one of the homeowners when they return from business trips.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here