Navigating HOA Landscape: Do You Need Approval for Landscaping, Understanding Bids, and Choosing the Best Companies

Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the appearance, value, and harmony of planned communities. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Does my HOA cover landscaping? The answer depends on your community’s bylaws, the type of HOA you live in, and the specifics of your Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). This guide will help you understand which areas your HOA typically maintains, which responsibilities fall to you, and how to navigate the process smoothly.

Understanding Your HOA’s Landscape Responsibilities

Before planting new shrubs or ordering a patio, it’s essential to determine whether your HOA covers the work. Most HOAs divide landscaping duties into two categories:

1. Community-Maintained Home Lots

In a full-service HOA, the association contracts a landscaping firm to maintain individual homelots—often including front yards, side yards, and sometimes even backyards. Homeowners pay higher dues in exchange for:

Routine lawn mowing, edging, fertilization, and weed control
Seasonal flower planting, mulching, and pruning
Irrigation system programming and repairs
Pest management and storm cleanup

Because the HOA sets the plant palette and hardscape materials, homeowners enjoy a turnkey experience but have limited customization. This model is popular with seniors and busy professionals who view yard care as a community perk.

2. Common-Area Only Maintenance

In other communities, the HOA’s landscaping contractor cares exclusively for shared spaces: entrances, traffic medians, community parks, pool decks, and walking paths. Homeowners are responsible for all plantings and upkeep around their homes. They may:

Hire the HOA’s preferred landscaper at a discounted HOA rate
Choose an independent professional
Perform maintenance themselves

Even with full control over their yards, homeowners must comply with CC&R guidelines on plant choices, rock coverage, and irrigation methods.

Checking Your CC&Rs and Design Guidelines

Your CC&Rs and any supplemental Design Guidelines are the primary source for landscaping rules. They typically specify:

Approved plant lists, tree species, and turf varieties
Maximum percentages for xeriscaping or rock coverage
Irrigation requirements (e.g., drip lines along curbs)
Limits on lawn ornaments and outdoor structures
Maintenance standards for both homeowners and the HOA

Locate your CC&Rs in your HOA’s online portal or community handbook. If you need help interpreting the rules, our post on Breaking Down HOA Landscaping Duties: Yours vs Theirs offers clear guidance.

Typical Landscaping Services Covered by HOAs

In full-service communities, HOAs often handle:

Front-Yard Care: Mowing, edging, fertilizing, and seasonal color rotations
Irrigation Management: Programming controllers, inspecting zones, repairing leaks
Tree & Shrub Maintenance: Pruning for safety and health, disease inspections
Common-Area Enhancements: Mulching beds, installing community flower displays
Erosion Control: Grading, retaining walls, and drainage fixes in shared spaces

HOAs with limited responsibility focus on:

Monument & Entrance Landscaping: Large-scale plantings and container gardens
Amenity Area Upkeep: Pools, clubhouses, sports courts, and playground borders
Community Pathways: Turf edging, tree-lined walkways, and lighting

For details on how we support HOA communities, explore our HOA Landscaping Management Services.

When Homeowners Must Take Charge

Even in full-service HOAs, certain tasks remain homeowner responsibilities:

Backyard Gardens & Patios: Installing or updating personal hardscapes
Vegetable & Herb Plots: Creating edible gardens within guidelines
Landscape Renovations: Replacing turf, adding flower beds, or custom lighting

Always submit your plans for board approval before beginning any work. Our guide on How to Submit Landscape Plans to Your HOA walks you through the process from drawing to approval.

Benefits and Considerations

HOA-Covered Landscaping

Pros: Convenience, uniform aesthetics, predictable costs
Cons: Limited personalization, higher HOA dues, slower change approvals

Homeowner-Managed Landscaping

Pros: Full creative control, cost flexibility, potential DIY savings
Cons: Time investment, risk of CC&R violations, variable contractor quality

Partnering with Professionals

Whether your HOA handles all yard work or you manage your own lot, working with a licensed, insured landscaping firm ensures compliance and quality. At Blade Runner Landscapes, our specialized team understands HOA nuances and can:

Draft HOA-compliant landscape plans
Coordinate with your board for fast approvals
Provide turnkey installation and maintenance
Offer emergency storm and irrigation services

Learn more About Our Specialized Landscapers and Team and view our work in the Landscape Project Gallery.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re uncertain whether your HOA covers a landscaping task—or you need expert support to ensure compliance—reach out today.

📞 Call us today at 512-222-2200 or reach out to owner of Blade Runner Landscapes Bobby Montagne directly at bobby@bladerunneratx.com. 📬 You can also contact us online to schedule a consultation or request a quote. Let Blade Runner Landscapes guide you through the HOA approval process and bring your outdoor vision to life! 🌿✨

Don’t just take our word for it—check out what our happy clients have to say on our customer reviews page. When it comes to HOA landscaping, trust the experts who know the rules and how to get the job done right.