The Why Behind HOA Plant Restrictions

Why are some plants restricted by my HOA?

Every homeowner wants their home and community landscaping to look healthy, green and cared for. So why prohibit any plant? The more the better, right?

When purchasing a home in a community with an HOA, you agree to join other owners to share amenities, pay your share of expenses and maintenance, and uphold certain standards. So when the decision is made to restrict something, there is usually good reason for it. Here are some reasons Associations prohibit certain plants:

Community Standards require a uniform appearance – If you were attracted to the consistent look of the community when you bought your home, odds are there are rules in place to preserve that appearance.

Invasive or grow too big for the space – Fast growing plants can quickly outgrow their space, and others will spread to other yards where they are not wanted. A restriction can prevent the cost of maintenance, replacement, and conflict between owners.

Surface roots – Community hardscape, walls, sidewalks, and streets can be negatively impacted by tree roots. The cost of repair can be significant, adding insult to injury for the community and homeowners.

Hazard or liability – Very brittle trees that frequently drop branches, or plants with large thorns and sharp leaves can cause injury to people or damage to property. Associations will often want to avoid the risk.

Too messy, poisonous, or prone to disease – Some plants and trees will flower and drop seeds several time a year. Frequent debris removal and the high maintenance of dealing with disease prone plants can be costly. There is also incentive to avoid the risk of children or pets vulnerable to poisonous plants.

Water or maintenance restrictions – Waterwise and low maintenance plants are strong reasons for having restrictions, especially in the desert. The cost and shortage of water is obvious, but there is also an increased cost for maintenance. Nonnative plants can drop leaves year round, requiring frequent debris removal.

Local climate and soils – Not all types of plants can grow everywhere. What you hoped would be a beautiful, lush plant can end up looking straggly in the wrong climate or soils. Community living comes with lots of benefits and access to amenities & services, but it also requires that residents give up a bit of their individuality to live in harmony with others. Working together, residents can find moderation….and it’s good to remember there is usually a valid reason behind a restriction.

Kamarie Naase, PCAM®, CMCA®, AMS® , is a Professional Community Association Manager who has been affiliated with SunWest Management and the SunRiver Communities for over 20 years.