I would like to know the HOA's opinion on setting up a zeroscaped lawn with minimal vegetation. I'm talking about replacing grass with stone tiles and/or rock garden style decoration.
My first thought was to replace the lawn with a realistic looking artificial alternative, but that is apparently against HOA guidelines. I'm just tired of nurturing and paying for the upkeep on a plant (St. Augustine grass) that I don't even like.
Especially with these hot Texas summers, it seems like there should be some more efficient alternatives to beautify our landscapes.
There are some guidelines that the HOA ARC has on zeroscaping -- I think that the key is to remember to allow for enough draining and pervious cover (ie don't cover the whole yard in tile or concrete). Perhaps submitting your ideas to the ARC and letting us know what you had in mind would be a good place to start.
How about posting the guidelines so people know what would be acceptable in advance.
The HOA Board has issued some guidelines concerning the landscaping for our yards. They can be found on this web-site under the Jan. newsletter. That said the ARC would like to pass along some recommendations also, First you must submit an ARC request if you are going to change the size of your exiting beds and/or replace your existing St. Augustine grass with an alternitive grass. The ARC recommends three different types of grass that is acceptable here in Texas and also with the CCR's. One is Bermuda grass, Two is Buffalo grass and the Third is Zoysia grass. All three require less water than St. Augustine. You however, cannot replace your grass with any type of hardscape like tile,patio stones, gravel, or rocks. You need to keep in mind that the City of Austin has zoned these lots to have a maximum allowable impervious cover as 45% of total lot area. That includes house, driveway, and sidewalk. Exceeding this number can cause problems with storm water infrastructure and detention facilities as they were designed to accommodate 45% IC on each lot, not a larger amount. That is set with the City, not the HOA. You have to also be aware of any drainage issues that might affect your neighbors. That is why we require an ARC request to be submitted so that all these issues can be addressed. Now, as for plants, there is no restriction on the types of xeriscaping plants you can use. The Austin American Statesman had an excellent article in the Sat. edition in lifestyles address just this issue. Also remember if you are on a corner lot you must follow CCR rules concerning the "sight distance" rule. Many xeriscape plants grow very tall and can be a sight hindrance to motorists. I hope this helps some and if you have any other questions please send the ARC an e-mail. Our e-mails are listed on the newsletter and please come to the HOA meeting. We will be there to answer questions about this and any other issues. Thank you, Kez Lemerise(Chairperson)
Hi Kez,
I am considering leasing in your neighborhood. The home I have an application on, but has completely lost the front lawn due to the drought. I was wondering about buffalo grass plugs, which is supposed to have up to 75% less water required.
I can't use this because I will be renting, but this is a neat incentive rebate that is accepting applications through the end of september.
www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rebatelist.htm.