Do you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, or HOA? If so, you may be wondering how your HOA’s policies will affect your landscaping options. Every HOA has its own set of rules and guidelines, but having a general understanding of how HOA policies work will help you achieve your landscaping vision without having to worry about facing fines and other penalties for HOA violations.

HOA Policies Should Be Followed

While it may be tempting to simply ignore your HOA’s landscaping policies, this is not a smart option. When you purchase a home in an area governed by an HOA, you must sign a contract agreeing to follow the HOA’s policies. HOAs and their policies are generally established by the real estate developer that plans and builds the neighborhood. These policies may seem restrictive, but they often have the goal of helping homeowners maintain their property value while boosting the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood. HOAs have the ability to levy fines against homeowners who do not follow the established guidelines, and may even be able to foreclose on your house if you violate HOA policies. If you want to change your landscape, consider working with a professional landscaping company that has familiarity with HOA policies and will ensure that you do not commit any violations.

HOA Landscaping Policies May Differ for Front Yards and Backyards

When you are making decisions about the landscaping for your front yard and backyard, check to see if your HOA’s policies differ for these two areas. Oftentimes, HOA policies are more restrictive when it comes to landscaping at the front of your lot, since this area is visible from the street. If you have a walled backyard, you will likely have more freedom when choosing the species of plants and style of landscaping for this area.  

HOA Policies Can Be Changed with Community Involvement

If you have concerns about your HOA’s landscaping policies, it’s time to get involved. Attend your HOA’s community meetings, and bring up your concerns with your HOA board. With enough community support, HOA guidelines can often be modified to better fit the needs of neighborhood residents.

Following HOA landscaping policies is easy when you work with an experienced landscaping company like Complete Landscaping. We’re proud to serve the Tucson area with high-quality landscaping services. For more information, call (520) 323-8918.