Working Within HOA Restrictions to Convert Lawns to Florida Friendly Landscapes

Lloyd Singleton Stephen Turnipseed

UF/IFAS Extension

The Villages – A High-density Development

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

Policies

• No changes should be make to the home or homesite without approval

• Approvals are obtained from the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) Similar to an HOA Board

• Complete Form and attach site plan; No cost to apply; Reviewed weekly

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

Florida Statute 373.185 states: A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land. (Effective 7/1/09)

The Villages - External Deed Restriction Standards:

“Florida-Friendly Landscaping is permitted as a substitute for sod…” The Villages - Amendment to Declarations of Restrictions:

“Owners are encouraged to and may add or replace landscape that is more water conservative and drought tolerant than originally provided…”

• Do Not obstruct the drainage

• No structures in the setback area

• Max height of raised beds 18”

• No Fences; Formal hedges shall be max 4 feet high

• No all-rock landscape

• Arborist approval required for removal of trees with trunk >4 inches diameter

• Groundcover plant material shall achieve continuous coverage within 14 months and maintained less than 12 inches to achieve a “lawn-like appearance”

• Note: No percentage requirement for grass or groundcover

The Villages HOA Landscape Rules and Restrictions

Lawns to FFL Native Plant Landscapes

Example Landscape Conversions within The Villages

Builder Installed 90% Turfgrass Landscape

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

East Side – 3 years After Conversion

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

9

Approved for 100% Grass Removal!

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

UF / IFAS Extension 10

Grass Removed – Natives Planted – Dripline Installation

Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

UF / IFAS Extension 11

Grass Removed – Natives Planted – 1 year later

Lawns to Native Plants: Getting Results

Another Landscape Converted to Native Plants in The Villages (1 year after planting)

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

A New Landscape Conversion

Thank You

UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs

An ARC-Approved Zero-turfgrass Florida-Friendly native-plant landscape within The Villages