Can we get rid of our money pit lawn?

[cummingswendy]

Has anyone gotten rid of their lawn? I know the rules say you have to maintain 51% sod. I can't stand how much it costs. Any suggestions or experience?

[Barefoot]

Has anyone gotten rid of their lawn? I know the rules say you have to maintain 51% sod. I can't stand how much it costs. Any suggestions or experience?

You can rock your lawn if you're in a courtyard villa.

[Bogie Shooter]

You can get rid of 49%.......................:throwtomatoes:

[graciegirl]

Has anyone gotten rid of their lawn? I know the rules say you have to maintain 51% sod. I can't stand how much it costs. Any suggestions or experience?

How much do you pay? Cutting is about fifty sixty bucks a month. You MAY have to shop for that price, but it is out there. Fertilization is necessary three four times a year.

Even if you have rocks you have weeds to get rid of.

I think lawns are far less expensive to maintain here than they were at our Ohio house.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I mow and fertilize my own lawn. I cut once a week in the summer, about once a month in the winter and I fertilize about three times a year with weed and feed. If I notice any activity I might put down some insecticide.

I enjoy getting out and getting some exercise and it's fun.

[Indydealmaker]

Has anyone gotten rid of their lawn? I know the rules say you have to maintain 51% sod. I can't stand how much it costs. Any suggestions or experience?

How much did you spend on your lawn prior to moving to The Villages?

[blueash]

First post, welcome Cummingswendy. Everyone play nice for a while

[graciegirl]

First post, welcome Cummingswendy. Everyone play nice for a while

What did you see that was un-nice? I just read the whole thread and I didn't see anything rude.

[JB in TV]

First post, welcome Cummingswendy. Everyone play nice for a while

It would sure be nice if everyone here played nice all the time!

[graciegirl]

It would sure be nice if everyone here played nice all the time!

Do you see anything mean on this thread? I can't find anything other than just answers to his questions or asking for further info.

[ladylake1]

Has anyone gotten rid of their lawn? I know the rules say you have to maintain 51% sod. I can't stand how much it costs. Any suggestions or experience?
My neighbors in Santiago went to some Board to get permission to take up ALL their sod and replace it with pine mulch. It must be possible to do at least where I am.

[JB in TV]

My neighbors in Santiago went to some Board to get permission to take up ALL their sod and replace it with pine mulch. It must be possible to do at least where I am.

I think it really depends on where you are located, as you mentioned. I would suggest that the OP contact the compliance folks for an accurate answer that pertains to their exact property..

[graciegirl]

One of my favorite things about The Villages is acres and miles of beautiful lawn and gorgeous trees and beautiful flowers. I love it.

[Snowbirdtobe]

Ask the county agent for help in making your lot Florida friendly. Whatever you do contact the county agent before you implement any plan proposed by a landscaper. If the county agent will tell you it's Florida Friendly you should have no trouble with community standards.

[travelguy]

my shrub beds are getting larger and larger, and the sod is being removed and mulch and groundcovers are going in also. since it is not happening all at once i guess no one notices. the grass area will not totally disappear, but it is getting smaller each year.

[Madelaine Amee]

A couple of years ago I was on a garden tour north of 466 and one of the homes in Royal Oaks in Springdale had put in a large expanse of ground cover and still had some grass. It looked really nice. I made inquiries today and I am told that because it is considered water wise TV are allowing it now, but it has to go through the right Board or something or other to get it done. The one I saw was professionally landscaped and looked really elegant. This particular home has a big old beautiful oak in the front yard and the ground cover had been brought around the oak and curved down across the front lawn and down towards the street, then the remainder of the yard was grass. I believe the ground cover had a small blue flower (maybe low growing periwinkle), it was very low, only the height of the grass. However, this is not a cheap fix for getting rid of grass, it needs maintenance to keep it looking immaculate.

[scot_atc]

Ask the county agent for help in making your lot Florida friendly. Whatever you do contact the county agent before you implement any plan proposed by a landscaper. If the county agent will tell you it's Florida Friendly you should have no trouble with community standards.

Don't suppose there's any chance that the county agent's name is Hank Kimball?

[Indydealmaker]

Florida friendly or not, if it looks like weeds it has got to go.

[KittyKat]

My neighbors in Santiago went to some Board to get permission to take up ALL their sod and replace it with pine mulch. It must be possible to do at least where I am.

What?! YUCK. Glad I don't live by them.

[Barefoot]

If the county agent will tell you it's Florida Friendly you should have no trouble with community standards.

I think that Florida Friendly Landscaping involves a lot less grass than our deed restrictions require, which a lot of residents would like.
Has anyone been successful in having Community Standards approve Florida Friendly Landscaping?

[Bonanza]

I have never heard about any grass vs. planted areas being measured to see if a certain percentage of their yard was grass.

I think the main thing is that your yard (front and back) is kempt. If you do something attractive with edging, some stones and some mulch, perhaps a boulder or two and with some shrubs interspersed, you can end up with something very eye-catching and low maintenance. I doubt that anyone would object -- OR measure what you have done.

Unfortunately, we are not permitted to put in synthetic turf. I believe the courtyard villas are the only ones that have it. It is a dumb rule because the better turf looks better than grass and you can not even tell what it is unless you bend down to actually feel it! It definitely is a water saver which is a plus all around, although to install it is expensive. If anyone is interested in why we can't have it, PM me and i will tell you why, but I'm not able to print it here.

[xcaligirl]

Are we allowed to have synthetic grass in a courtyard villa? I don't want the hassle of mowing, etc, either however I do like the look of green instead of the look of desert. Just my opinion!! We just moved in to a CYV, rock in the front with a ton of weeds. I realize the expense of synthetic grass but I think it will be cheaper in the long run.

[graciegirl]

http://www.eco-yards.com/images/design01.jpg

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Interesting that the OP never posted again.

[CFrance]

http://www.eco-yards.com/images/design01.jpg
It looks like that is going to be a stream. There's no way to tell if there will be grass on the rest because it isn't finished yet. The job is still in progress.

There are companies out west who replace grass with artificial grass due to their severe water shortage problems. It's pricey but looks immaculate, and you can't tell it isn't grass till you walk on it. It's not the old artificial turf stuff from our youth.

I would love to have it, esp. since it says the dog pee wouldn't stain it yellow!
This is one company in FL: Residential Lawns | Just Like Grass (http://www.justlikegrass.com/residential-lawns/)

[pbkmaine]

Would the ARC allow this?

[Bill Tasker]

I have never understood why someone would purchase a home with a lawn if they had no desire to take care of it. We have the same issue in our development. Mostly it's folks coming from Town Homes to individual homes and can't be bothered with the time, care and expense a lawn requires. I have seen some beautiful rock garden designs throughout TV, which cuts down on the amount of green space you have to take care of. So, I guess there are some soltutions. But I'm with Gracie, I think the green expanse of TV is wondeful.

[graciegirl]

I have never understood why someone would purchase a home with a lawn if they had no desire to take care of it. We have the same issue in our development. Mostly it's folks coming from Town Homes to individual homes and can't be bothered with the time, care and expense a lawn requires. I have seen some beautiful rock garden designs throughout TV, which cuts down on the amount of green space you have to take care of. So, I guess there are some soltutions. But I'm with Gracie, I think the green expanse of TV is wondeful.


Thank you Bill for saying that. I love the beauty of lawns and well kept yards. I have been told that one of my favorite arty people; Uptown Girl, has a beautiful yard with no grass.

I think that our deed restrictions that I like so much would be trumped by the environmentalists in a court of law.

If I were asked how I would like to protect the environment, I would say to save the gas pollution by banning people driving gas fueled cars to buy pot, get tattoo's and nose rings and get their checks cashed on money they don't have and LEAVE the Zoysia alone!!.

But if we all looked at the world in the same way, yadda yadda yadda.

[Uptown Girl]

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k586/uptowngirlpics1/98a04314-f406-4e42-9f4c-bb4abcb6004d.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/uptowngirlpics1/media/98a04314-f406-4e42-9f4c-bb4abcb6004d.jpg.html)


Ground cover is Dwarf Asiatic Jasmine- low growing, stays green all year, but does need pruning to stay in bounds. I do that myself.
We incorporated a flagstone platform to allow for raising and lowering our flagpole.
Landscaping gravel (red) is called 'Seminole rock'- we also used river rock-type pea gravel between the flagstones.
This photo was taken after it was a year old.
I co-designed it with Wendy- owner of Village Palms- they did the install.

The back courtyard is grass free as well- with a pond, waterfall and babbling brook encompassing the entire space. Very tropical, easy peasy with lots of lush, green plants. Lovely.

[rdhdleo]

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k586/uptowngirlpics1/98a04314-f406-4e42-9f4c-bb4abcb6004d.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/uptowngirlpics1/media/98a04314-f406-4e42-9f4c-bb4abcb6004d.jpg.html)


Ground cover is Dwarf Asiatic Jasmine- low growing, stays green all year, but does need pruning to stay in bounds. I do that myself.
We incorporated a flagstone platform to allow for raising and lowering our flagpole.
Landscaping gravel (red) is called 'Seminole rock'- we also used river rock-type pea gravel between the flagstones.
This photo was taken after it was a year old.
I co-designed it with Wendy- owner of Village Palms- they did the install.

The back courtyard is grass free as well- with a pond, waterfall and babbling brook encompassing the entire space. Very tropical, easy peasy with lots of lush, green plants. Lovely.

Beautiful! Would you be so kind as to post a picture of your back area? Its sounds awesome!

[2BNTV]

Great pic. You go girl!!!

[Shimpy]

I enjoy getting out and getting some exercise and it's fun.

If you'd like to have some more fun I'll PM you my address.

[graciegirl]

Beautiful!!! I knew it would be lovely, Uptown Girl!!!

[Uptown Girl]

Beautiful! Would you be so kind as to post a picture of your back area? Its sounds awesome!

Sure :)

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k586/uptowngirlpics1/DSCN2443.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/uptowngirlpics1/media/DSCN2443.jpg.html)

[URL=http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/uptowngirlpics1/media/998

[Uptown Girl]

Sorry, couldn't post both photos in the same slot.

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k586/uptowngirlpics1/DSCN2449.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/uptowngirlpics1/media/DSCN2449.jpg.html)

[suediff]

I was told not to put in a water feature because it will attract snakes. Have you had any problem with them? How ling has it been in, it looks very clean.

[Uptown Girl]

I was told not to put in a water feature because it will attract snakes. Have you had any problem with them? How ling has it been in, it looks very clean.

This was the most recent photo, taken in mid-July. The water feature is now 3 1/2 years old.
My neighbor had a water feature and took it out because someone told her it attracted rats…. and she thought she spotted one. In that case (and in my opinion) it was more the birdseed she put out in various feeders, that got spilled to the ground that attracted the rodent, if that is what it was.

However, as a forethought, I had ground level lighting installed around the garden at the time of the pond installation that operates by a timer- dusk until dawn. No nighttime hiding places. Keeping the understory of the plants groomed also discourages anything from 'nesting' in spent garden debris. (keeps stuff from blowing into the water as well.)
We have had no problems with snakes or vermin- and very lovely patterns of light to highlight the garden in the evening, within the courtyard walls.

[Wandatime]

Uptown Girl - breathtaking! Thanks for sharing those pics!

[Barefoot]

Beautiful. We all knew it would be well done!

[Bonanza]

It would sure be nice if everyone here played nice all the time!

Unfortunately, that ain't gonna happen!

[Bonanza]

It looks like that is going to be a stream. There's no way to tell if there will be grass on the rest because it isn't finished yet. The job is still in progress.

There are companies out west who replace grass with artificial grass due to their severe water shortage problems. It's pricey but looks immaculate, and you can't tell it isn't grass till you walk on it. It's not the old artificial turf stuff from our youth.

I would love to have it, esp. since it says the dog pee wouldn't stain it yellow!
This is one company in FL: Residential Lawns | Just Like Grass (http://www.justlikegrass.com/residential-lawns/)

Yes, CFrance -- it's difficult to tell from the photo what the end product will look like. We have a river rock stream-looking treatment, but it isn't as busy as what that photo shows.

We had turf in Vegas and it was a God-send because of our dogs. It is the only thing that is dog-proof.

[JoMar]

Are we allowed to have synthetic grass in a courtyard villa? I don't want the hassle of mowing, etc, either however I do like the look of green instead of the look of desert. Just my opinion!! We just moved in to a CYV, rock in the front with a ton of weeds. I realize the expense of synthetic grass but I think it will be cheaper in the long run.

Long run is relative in TV......:$:

[rubicon]

First post, welcome Cummingswendy. Everyone play nice for a while

There you go again

[rubicon]

I would believe that in neighborhoods where there is continuity most will be lost if people begin innovations of their own. I believe this was the intent of the ARC rulings. It seems with the growing population that abiding by the rules agreed to by all buyers is beginning to unravel and if the people at ARC acquiesce this place is going to lose its beauty. A trip around The Villages already is beginning to show signs of this.

Perhaps some may view these comments as "not playing nice" but in my view they comprise what most villagers view as the reality if ARC loses its backbone.

[jblum315]

I saw a "lawn" yesterday that was completely totally brown. Don't know what they're planning but it sure is ugly now.

[JoMar]

I would believe that in neighborhoods where there is continuity most will be lost if people begin innovations of their own. I believe this was the intent of the ARC rulings. It seems with the growing population that abiding by the rules agreed to by all buyers is beginning to unravel and if the people at ARC acquiesce this place is going to lose its beauty. A trip around The Villages already is beginning to show signs of this.

Perhaps some may view these comments as "not playing nice" but in my view they comprise what most villagers view as the reality if ARC loses its backbone.

Agree.....part of the attraction here was the pride residents take in their properties and I also have noticed that changing......we came here knowing ARC was the guide in keeping this place consistent......let's hope they don't compromise their positions

[Shimpy]

I saw a "lawn" yesterday that was completely totally brown. Don't know what they're planning but it sure is ugly now.


I've seen several like that and it appears that a company had applied a killer to the lawn, let it set for a week or so then took up the sod and replaced it with new. It was obvious because the line between them and their neighbors was very sharp and straight.

[rubicon]

Let's hope sod is being replaced with sod

[Indydealmaker]

Agree.....part of the attraction here was the pride residents take in their properties and I also have noticed that changing......we came here knowing ARC was the guide in keeping this place consistent......let's hope they don't compromise their positions

Seniors are notorious for "pinching pennies" on frills like home maintenance, lawncare, etc., especially when many consider they are living in their coffin. Let their kids deal with the damaged property values and to hell with the neighbors!

[tghoul]

You can rock your lawn if you're in a courtyard villa.

Not any longer. My landscaper was just informed by The Villages that front yards must have some grass or plant ground cover. Homes are grandfathered if they have a permit. If they do not have a permit The Villages is going to notify homeowners who have all rock that they must remove some rock and replace it with grass or plant ground cover.

[graciegirl]

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k586/uptowngirlpics1/98a04314-f406-4e42-9f4c-bb4abcb6004d.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/uptowngirlpics1/media/98a04314-f406-4e42-9f4c-bb4abcb6004d.jpg.html)


Ground cover is Dwarf Asiatic Jasmine- low growing, stays green all year, but does need pruning to stay in bounds. I do that myself.
We incorporated a flagstone platform to allow for raising and lowering our flagpole.
Landscaping gravel (red) is called 'Seminole rock'- we also used river rock-type pea gravel between the flagstones.
This photo was taken after it was a year old.
I co-designed it with Wendy- owner of Village Palms- they did the install.

The back courtyard is grass free as well- with a pond, waterfall and babbling brook encompassing the entire space. Very tropical, easy peasy with lots of lush, green plants. Lovely.

This is a rocked yard that meets the regulations and is a lovely thing to see.