LANDSCAPING FORM

Stillwater Architectural Policy

Permission to make changes to your exterior, yard, fence or Public Facing yard must be obtained using the LANDSCAPING FORM above. See the rules and Guidelines at Architectural Guidelines

Spring Landscaping Ideas for HOA Homeowners

Maintaining your home’s landscaping is a great way to do good for your homeowners’ association (HOA)—and your personal property. With pleasant weather, green grass growing, and flowers in bloom, spring is the perfect time to get things done. Read on to discover spring landscaping ideas for homeowners that are cost-effective and typically community compliant.

Before You Tackle a Spring Landscaping Project

Before tackling these spring landscaping ideas, review the landscaping rules in your HOA’s governing documents. Designed to promote a consistent neighborhood aesthetic, these regulations help preserve harmony and the community’s look and feel. Use your Architectural Guidelines to guide you as you look for new spring landscaping plants, flowers, and other ideas for your front or back yard. And prior to making any adjustments, confirm if these changes are allowed or need approval first.

Spring Landscaping Ideas for Your HOA Home

To craft an outdoor paradise, consider the following spring landscaping ideas:

Add hardscaping features.

Hardscaping refers to any non-living materials used to create outdoor features and structures. For example, you can use bricks, pavers, gravel, or concrete to make patios, driveways, firepits, and walkways. In addition to functionality, with hardscaping elements, you may benefit from less maintenance, improved drainage, and erosion control. Hardscaping ideas for your home include:

• Using bricks to build a firepit.
• Adding a wood patio on the side of your home.
• Creating a stone pathway in your front yard.
• Refreshing the steps outside your front door with new bricks or wood.

Learn More: HOA Landscaping Tips for Homeowners

Plant flowers you can maintain.

Planting flowers is one of the most transformative changes a homeowner can make during a spring landscaping refresh. Flowers can infuse color, beautiful scents, and vibrant energy into front and back yards. However, it’s important to plant flowers you can easily maintain. Low maintenance and long-lasting options mean less work for you and fewer problems like overgrowth and weeds. Sturdy plant and flower varieties that require little attention include:

• Yucca
• Succulents
• Blooming chives
• Smoke bush
• Meadow favorite
• Madagascar periwinkle
• Agave

Install outdoor lighting.

The right lighting can shift the entire mood of an outdoor space. Energy-efficient lights help keep bills down and are usually widely accepted by HOAs. Use outdoor lighting to:

• Illuminate pathways. Solar-powered bulbs and low-voltage LEDs offer visibility with a touch of charm. Choose solar lights for a sustainable option or low-voltage LEDs for a soft, subtle glow.
• Create a well-lit entry. Build an inviting atmosphere with wall-mounted sconces or lanterns. Use warm, white bulbs to enhance designs and shine.
• Decorate decks and patios. Install string lights or LED deck lights to set the scene where you’ll be eating and playing. Stringed Edison bulbs come in different shapes and colors and are a vintage-inspired option.
• Highlight gardening and landscaping. Highlight garden beds with adjustable spotlights. Install well lights in the ground surrounding trees to set up a nice contrast.

Use mulch for visual interest.

Coming in a variety of colors and textures, mulch is an easy and cost-conscious way to update your home’s landscape. Coffee, red, black, gold, and cedar-toned mulch can balance the look of your yard and property. Plus, mulch increases moisture retention, improves soil quality, and provides nutrients to your garden or lawn. Remember to avoid putting mulch near wood or siding to prevent rotting and insect infestations.

Read More: Tips for Starting a Community Garden

Implement a smart watering system.

Smart watering systems keep your lawn healthy and reduce water waste. A smart watering system uses sensors to identify how much water your lawn is getting and then uses that information to optimize an automatic watering schedule. This has the power to significantly cut down your water usage, conserve resources, uphold plant health, and relieve you of maintenance duties.