[idlewild]

Thanks for all the responses - very helpful. I'm replying in aggregate here:

* Dogs/Guests not liking walking on it: I believe they find is "prickly" even after a mowing. I mow myself, at least weekly in summer and now up to 10-14 days between, and cut it shorter than recommended.

* Bermuda Grass (invasive) replacing: I don't think you can really remove one from the other - at last not with significant work - especially for Floratam Saint Augustine, which is the varietal I think we have here in CDD 15. So, sure, I could let the Bermuda go wild (I'm currently "plucking" and spot treating as much as possible) but it would never fully replace the existing Saint Augustine.

* Nothing in our deed restrictions about keeping consistent turf with neighbors - just maintaining appearance (mowing and edging). And how do I know if this (lawn replacement) needs ARC approval? I was going to submit it just to be safe, as I'm likely adding this to a larger landscaping application, but as a new Villager I'm unaware of the delineations for "not-an-HOA" ARC approval.
EDIT: I see in our ARC manual: "Existing sod or other plant material shall only be replaced with sod or other plant material. Rock is not an acceptable replacement for sod or other plant material(s) except as an accent material in
approved landscaping beds." So, I can replace sod with sod...or even other "plant material" but nothing about it requiring approval. I understand hardscaping but what about replacing existing elements (e.g. the flowerwood pringles they installed with a bottlebrush or their crepe myrtle with or a robellini / pygmy palm), exterior painting within approved color schemes, flag poles, sod?

* I've heard Zoysia requires more maintenance, but I suspect that depends on the variety installed and I would gladly pay top dollar for the easiest to maintain / most resilient. If anyone has any suggestions or experience with this, please let me know!

Thanks again.