Many associations do not allow the growth of weeds in an HOA community. There are several reasons behind this, but it mostly concerns maintaining the neighborhood’s appearance. While removing weeds can be a burdensome task, homeowners must abide by the rules of their HOA. This way, they can avoid incurring fines and other potential penalties.
In this article:
Prohibiting Weeds in HOA Communities
Homeowners are often so busy with their daily lives that it is easy to forget about lawn care. However, those living in HOA communities should understand that they may be subject to specific landscaping rules. One of the more common landscaping rules in HOAs is requiring weed removal.
Community associations despise weeds because they compete with healthy plants for nutrients. Instead of grass and flowers getting all the air and water, weeds rob them of these. Some types of weeds even secrete chemicals into the soil that restrain the growth of nearby plants. All of this can render an owner’s yard unappealing.
Proper landscaping contributes to curb appeal. A poorly kept lawn can inhibit curb appeal, resulting in lower property values. Homeowners associations have a responsibility to preserve property values, so it is clear why these communities dislike weeds. The domino effect can be detrimental, and homeowners will ultimately suffer from the aftermath.
Due to this, many associations prohibit the growth of weeds in HOAs. However, it is important to discern whether a plant qualifies as a weed. Some native plants may look like weeds but are otherwise healthy. Moreover, some states expressly prohibit HOAs from banning native plants, such as Maryland (House Bill 0322).
Can Homeowners Face HOA Fines for Weeds?
Homeowners can potentially face fines from their HOA for weeds. When homeowners first buy into the community, they agree to abide by the association’s rules. If the association has a rule requiring owners to remove weeds, and the homeowner doesn’t follow it, it can issue a violation.
Violations can have a number of possible penalties, including monetary fines. Other disciplinary actions can include temporarily suspending privileges and even legal action. However, in many states, the law requires HOAs to allow homeowners to be heard before levying a fine or other disciplinary action.
Some HOA communities also start with a violation notice. This notice might allow homeowners to remedy their violation (such as pulling out the weeds) before the HOA takes further action. Homeowners who fail to correct the violation can face fines and other potential penalties.
That said, homeowners and board members alike should check their governing documents. The CC&Rs and bylaws should clearly outline the rules regarding weeds and what penalties might follow if homeowners fail to adhere to them. It is also essential that an HOA has the authority to levy fines, which is bestowed upon it by state laws or the governing documents.
How to Practice Weed Control in HOA Community
Removing weeds can be exhausting and tedious. Fortunately, there are some things homeowners can do to control weeds in HOA communities.
1. Exercise Regular Lawn Care
Homeowners should exercise lawn care regularly. This includes mowing, watering, and fertilizing their yards to facilitate the growth of healthy plants or grass and reduce the possibility of weeds.
A lawn with dense growth often has an equally healthy and robust root system. This will allow the healthy plants to absorb nutrients and compete with weeds easily. Moreover, a well-maintained lawn usually has less space for weeds to grow.
2. Use Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Preventing weeds is always better than dealing with an existing infestation. One proactive way to stop weeds from germinating is to use pre-emergent weed control for lawns. These potent herbicides form a temporary barrier that prevents weeds from sprouting.
However, homeowners should properly time the use of pre-emergent weed control. It is best to apply it before the weed seeds start to germinate, which usually happens in early spring and autumn.
3. Water the Lawn Properly
Proper lawn watering is critical to effective weed control. For best results, homeowners should water their lawns profoundly but less often. This lets the top layer of soil dry out between sessions. This technique encourages the grass to develop deep roots, which helps it outcompete weeds.
On the other hand, overwatering not only wastes water but also leads to shallow root systems in grass, which creates an ideal environment for weeds to thrive.
4. Mow the Lawn Properly
Maintaining the correct mowing height is crucial for effective weed control. Set the mower to a high setting to ensure it only cuts off the top third of the grass blade. Taller grass provides better soil coverage, making it harder for weeds to establish themselves. Aim to mow weekly during the growing season to keep the grass at a steady height and the lawn in good condition.
5. Use Mulch
To prevent weeds in the garden beds and planted areas, homeowners should consider mulching. Mulch creates a barrier that limits sunlight, thereby hindering weed seed germination. When adding new shrubs or flowers, homeowners should space correctly and use landscape fabric beneath the mulch to further deter weeds.
An HOA, though, may have specific rules about the type and color of mulch owners can use. Thus, it is imperative to check the CC&Rs before buying anything.
6. Remove Weeds Immediately
Finally, homeowners should inspect their lawns regularly. This will help them spot emerging weeds and pull them out immediately. Homeowners can do this by hand, especially for small infestations. Pulling out the roots is also essential to prevent regrowth.
Larger infestations may require more than hand-pulling. For these types of problems, homeowners can use spot treatments or selective herbicides. Selective herbicides only target specific types of weeds, so healthy plants in the surrounding area aren’t affected.
How to Encourage Homeowners to Remove Weeds in HOA
While fines and penalties may deter owners from violating weed regulations, HOAs can take other actions to encourage weed removal. The following are just some examples of strategies an HOA board can use.
1. Remind Homeowners
Homeowners are busy, so they might forget about weed control and prevention. To help, the HOA board can send regular reminders to homeowners to remove weeds from their lawns.
2. Provide Tips in Newsletters
Homeowners might want to remove weeds but have no idea where to begin. Board members can counteract this by educating homeowners on ways to eliminate weeds. The HOA can provide tips in the monthly newsletters to help homeowners remove weeds.
3. Recommend Weed Removal Companies
Homeowners may not have enough time or energy to remove the weeds themselves. The HOA can remedy this by recommending lawn care companies that can do the job for them. Alternatively, homeowners can hire someone — perhaps a neighborhood kid or teenager on summer vacation — to remove the weeds for a fee.
4. Remove Weeds in Common Areas
Homeowners aren’t going to get rid of weeds in their lawns if they see weeds in common areas. As such, HOA boards should lead by example. The association should hire a landscaping company to ensure the growth of healthy plants and remove weeds.
5. Organize a Monthly Contest
Sometimes, all homeowners need is a little healthy competition. To encourage lawn care, the HOA can organize a monthly “best lawn” contest, with the winner receiving a special prize and a feature in the next newsletter.
The Final Word
Weeds in HOA communities are a menace. They rob healthy grass and flowers of nutrients and often make the lawn unattractive. As a result, many HOAs require owners to practice weed control and removal. Homeowners should abide by this requirement, as it is in their best interest to do so in the end.
Elite Management Services offers expert HOA management assistance to community associations. Call us today at (855) 238-8488 or contact us online to learn more!
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