Neighbor's Lawns

[nanci2539]

I don't like posting an issue like this but we have a few homes on our street that have absolutely horrible front lawns. Not only are they totally brown from lack of water but both are loaded with weeds.

The residents are full time so that's not the issue.

We put a lot of time, effort and money into our landscaping so our front lawn looks lovely. When I turn into my street which hapeens to be on a cul-d-sac, I shudder looking at the mess across the street from me.

I don't want to complain formally but just wondering if the Community Watch person who drives around has the authority to notify the residents that their lawns are not within the standards of maintenance in keeping the front of your home in decent shape.

[Tweety Bird]

I don't like posting an issue like this but we have a few homes on our street that have absolutely horrible front lawns. Not only are they totally brown from lack of water but both are loaded with weeds.

The residents are full time so that's not the issue.

We put a lot of time, effort and money into our landscaping so our front lawn looks lovely. When I turn into my street which hapeens to be on a cul-d-sac, I shudder looking at the mess across the street from me.

I don't want to complain formally but just wondering if the Community Watch person who drives around has the authority to notify the residents that their lawns are not within the standards of maintenance in keeping the front of your home in decent shape.

Yes, this is a real issue and it's sad that fairly supposedly intelligent people who have homes here don't do the basics like TAKE CARE OF THEIR LAWNS? I have recently looked up the phone number of the person who owns the house across the street from me and had a personal phone call with him. My rule of thumb is generally GO TO THE SOURCE first. He is not full time , so I prefaced the phone call with "You may not be aware....but.....your lawn looks JUST aweful and it really is ruining the neighborhood." I said it VERY nicely and gave him the benefit of the doubt. Yes, I put alot into my lawn (I have someone do it for us) and I simply have it budgeted. Why should I look at someone's crappy lawn when mine is so nice? Is this fair? Maybe a lawn service should come in, DO IT, and then send them the bill. :ohdear:

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, this is a real issue and it's sad that fairly supposedly intelligent people who have homes here don't do the basics like TAKE CARE OF THEIR LAWNS? I have recently looked up the phone number of the person who owns the house across the street from me and had a personal phone call with him. My rule of thumb is generally GO TO THE SOURCE first. He is not full time , so I prefaced the phone call with "You may not be aware....but.....your lawn looks JUST aweful and it really is ruining the neighborhood." I said it VERY nicely and gave him the benefit of the doubt. Yes, I put alot into my lawn (I have someone do it for us) and I simply have it budgeted. Why should I look at someone's crappy lawn when mine is so nice? Is this fair? Maybe a lawn service should come in, DO IT, and then send them the bill. :ohdear:
I think you did the right thing.....what was his response?

[zcaveman]

If you don't want personal confrontation, call the deed restriction number or your area CDD representative and let them know about the problem.

They will probably put a notice on the front door of the neighbor with the problem asking him to correct the problem. What ever happens after that is the neighbor's problem.

[njbchbum]

nanci -
have you considered going up to their door to ask if there was something you could do to remedy the problem you have with their lawn's appearance?

we are snowbirds in our neighborhood - and the more we come to know our neighbors, the more we have found out how readily they will offer to assist with info and or manpower when we are in a quandry about something.

[bkcunningham1]

I read your posts to my husband. He said, "Just goes to show you that the grass isn't always greener on the other side."

[graciegirl]

I think calling the deed restriction department person is the right way to handle it. There isn't any good way to call someone on something like that and still pass the beans at the next local block party.

I do agree that you have the right to be annoyed. I would be so upset!!

If the people don't comply they fine them or order the grass cut and send them the bill.

[golf2140]

I read your posts to my husband. He said, "Just goes to show you that the grass isn't always greener on the other side."

You must not live here. We all take pride in our neighborhood. It only takes one to trash it.

[Tweety Bird]

If you don't want personal confrontation, call the deed restriction number or your area CDD representative and let them know about the problem.

They will probably put a notice on the front door of the neighbor with the problem asking him to correct the problem. What ever happens after that is the neighbor's problem.

Yes, that is definitely good advice.I had even asked him if he'd like me to take pictures and send it in email. hahahaha....he said "that won't be necessary". A note on the front door wouldn't help if he is in another state would it? In this case though, I had met him and his partner and found them to be most enjoyable people and thought they would be terrific to socialize with over a glass of wine on our lanai sometime. I didn't want to have them over someday and know I had called the squad on them. LOL. I really wanted to have him hear my sincerity in letting him know what it looked like from my front lawn and others. I had also found out that another neighbor had done the "letter thing". I would do that if I had to. It's just such a sticky thing. Ugh..I hate this. :shrug:

[Tweety Bird]

I think calling the deed restriction department person is the right way to handle it. There isn't any good way to call someone on something like that and still pass the beans at the next local block party.

I do agree that you have the right to be annoyed. I would be so upset!!

If the people don't comply they fine them or order the grass cut and send them the bill.

hahaha Gracie...yeah...block party conversation "and I'd like you to meet Ms. and Mr. so and so. Yes...yes.....they are the ones that had the pine trees growing on their lawn all year to sell as Christmas trees by December. :a20: Oh, and I almost forgot...you can't have businesses in TV? " hahahahahahaha. No trees for you!!!! :a20:

[nanci2539]

Thanks for the responses - the issue is more the weeds and sandy mounds than the totally dead grass. I see a lot of lawns with brown grass and where it's unattractive there may be budgetary reasons why people don't water as much as they should. But this isn't just dead grass; it's weeds and just bare, lots of bare, areas with sand and dirt. It's like don't these folks see this!

How do I find out who the CDD representative is for Hemingway.

[graciegirl]

You just call the number for The Villages, the sales office, and ask to speak to a person about deed restrictions.

[Army Guy]

I totally understand about the yard problem. We also have a similiar one. Ours who shares the dead end with us, has planted a forest, of course without, ARC permission, and it looks like H@LL !!!!
Now mind you this is in a CYV neighborhood. She has planted 15, yes I said 15, Magnolia trees, over 50 bushes, and 2 other trees, JUST IN HER FRONT YARD!
Now had do I handle this problem????

Army Guy

[BobKat1]

I totally understand about the yard problem. We also have a similiar one. Ours who shares the dead end with us, has planted a forest, of course without, ARC permission, and it looks like H@LL !!!!
Now mind you this is in a CYV neighborhood. She has planted 15, yes I said 15, Magnolia trees, over 50 bushes, and 2 other trees, JUST IN HER FRONT YARD!
Now had do I handle this problem????

Army Guy

Yikes! Imagine when all that stuff gets bigger! I can't help you out with suggestions, but do feel your pain. Good luck...

[Tweety Bird]

I totally understand about the yard problem. We also have a similiar one. Ours who shares the dead end with us, has planted a forest, of course without, ARC permission, and it looks like H@LL !!!!
Now mind you this is in a CYV neighborhood. She has planted 15, yes I said 15, Magnolia trees, over 50 bushes, and 2 other trees, JUST IN HER FRONT YARD!
Now had do I handle this problem????

Army Guy

Holy schnitzelheimer!!!!!!!! It sounds like she doesn't want to be seen by others? Complete privacy? Hoarding tendencies? Issues? Maybe she should have had a house nestled in the woods of North Carolina? Maybe she's a former mountain girl? Maybe she can't afford window coverings, so she's doing it "green"? Isn't one technically supposed have permission to plant? hahaha...this is too much. It's almost hysterical. No wonder TV has "rules". Some people are absolutely NUTS!

[graciegirl]

When we moved in our next door neighbor, also new, had MANY(upwards of 20) lawn ornaments. They are gone now.

[zcaveman]

Thanks for the responses - the issue is more the weeds and sandy mounds than the totally dead grass. I see a lot of lawns with brown grass and where it's unattractive there may be budgetary reasons why people don't water as much as they should. But this isn't just dead grass; it's weeds and just bare, lots of bare, areas with sand and dirt. It's like don't these folks see this!

How do I find out who the CDD representative is for Hemingway.

The Village Voice which was part of your Daily Sun one day last week or this week has a list of all of the CDD representatives.

[LoveFlorida]

Well if the landscaping was not approved by the ARC review board then she could be made to take it all out I cannot believe that a landscaper would allow someone to put that many trees in a Villa is there not a rule as to how many plants and trees you can plant in the Villa's. I would be calling someone that is crazy. As far as the lawn if you call and complain and they find it an issue and the homeowner ignores it TV will send someone to clean it up after so long and then just send the homeowner a nice little bill for doing it.

[Skip2MySue]

I totally understand about the yard problem. We also have a similiar one. Ours who shares the dead end with us, has planted a forest, of course without, ARC permission, and it looks like H@LL !!!!
Now mind you this is in a CYV neighborhood. She has planted 15, yes I said 15, Magnolia trees, over 50 bushes, and 2 other trees, JUST IN HER FRONT YARD!
Now had do I handle this problem????

Army Guy

Think........ chain-saw and darkness:a20:
Skip

[ncr2482]

As previously posted deed compliance will address landscaping, lawn ornament issues,excessive weeds, dead shrubs, etc. Make sure you have the house number when calling. Although you might think that Community Watch is "watching" they usually will not do anything unless the violation is brought to their attention. FYI - south of 466, no fines can be levied against the home owners for deed compliance violations. It is my understanding after speaking with Deed compliance, they will have the authority to levy fines Jan.1, 2011.(which differs north of 466) My neighborhood had problems with seasonal residents whose attitudes seem to be out of sight out of mind.

[Linwood]

I totally understand about the yard problem. We also have a similiar one. Ours who shares the dead end with us, has planted a forest, of course without, ARC permission, and it looks like H@LL !!!!
Now mind you this is in a CYV neighborhood. She has planted 15, yes I said 15, Magnolia trees, over 50 bushes, and 2 other trees, JUST IN HER FRONT YARD!
Now had do I handle this problem????

Army Guy

Rock Salt,
darkness,
stealth!
Then be the nice neighbor with the chain saw to help clean up!
Wonder is she knows how big Magnolia trees get,

[hoseman]

Rock Salt,

Wonder is she knows how big Magnolia trees get,

With leaves that never deteriorate...can't stand those trees.

Just bought some grass seed after reading this thread. You guys mean business.

[zcaveman]

Thanks for the responses - the issue is more the weeds and sandy mounds than the totally dead grass. I see a lot of lawns with brown grass and where it's unattractive there may be budgetary reasons why people don't water as much as they should. But this isn't just dead grass; it's weeds and just bare, lots of bare, areas with sand and dirt. It's like don't these folks see this!

How do I find out who the CDD representative is for Hemingway.

I found the Village Voice. The reps in Hemmingway are Susan Bieberfeld and Gene Carpenter. PM me for the telephone numbers or look in the telephone book. I do not like to post telephone numbers on any web site..

Z

[Tweety Bird]

Think........ chain-saw and darkness:a20:
Skip

absolutely love it Skip...LOL

[Pturner]

When we moved in our next door neighbor, also new, had MANY(upwards of 20) lawn ornaments. They are gone now.

:popcorn:

[getdul981]

Does this mean that we won't be able to put out all our gnomes and pink flamingos?

[Army Guy]

Yes, it is really bad. She is a widow from Washington State. We tried to tell her about magnolias but she doesn't want to listen. She bought all herself or got from people that were removing standard TV landscaping. She did it all herself. And I know as a fact no ARC permission.
Yes, and guess which way those magnolia leaves blow???

Army Guy

[graciegirl]

Yes, it is really bad. She is a widow from Washington State. We tried to tell her about magnolias but she doesn't want to listen. She bought all herself or got from people that were removing standard TV landscaping. She did it all herself. And I know as a fact no ARC permission.
Yes, and guess which way those magnolia leaves blow???

Army Guy

We have one magnolia tree from the foundation planting that came with our house and I had never been around magnolia trees. The flowers begin to brown as soon as they bloom and they just are never pretty.

If you call the sales office and ask for the deed restriction department and tell them about the over planting, they will act on it and they will never tell her who called. Now she may guess....................

Theoretically they are supposed to be driving the steets and checking for just such violations and they do...usually.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Can you imagine how much foundation cracking and damage to the road the roots will cause.............

[susieq31]

Just a little correction if you're looking for CDD folks: Gene Carpenter and I (Susan Bieberfeld) do not represent the CDD. We are VHA reps for Hemingway. Different groups, different areas of responsibility. Feel free to call us, though, if you're actually looking for VHA reps.

[zcaveman]

Just a little correction if you're looking for CDD folks: Gene Carpenter and I (Susan Bieberfeld) do not represent the CDD. We are VHA reps for Hemingway. Different groups, different areas of responsibility. Feel free to call us, though, if you're actually looking for VHA reps.

Sorry. I always get the different areas mixed up.

To find your CDD rep, go to www.distgov.org, click on District Map on the lower left and then put the cursor on Your District at the top and click on your district number and then click on Board of Supervisors to find you CDD reps.

[inda50]

Come on people, not all lawns can sparkle. It's still a free country and it's been a tough winter in terms of rain and cold weather there has been a lot of lawn die off and we are only allowed to water once a week.

When the regulations were written water costs and restrictions were different. Please don't get me wrong, I like a neat lawn and I want to have tidy looking landscape just like the next person. Water conservation is becoming more important due to the expanding population. Isn't it time to consider expanding our landscape options. Southern Florida has experienced even more difficulty, with water and lawn. I think we are blessed with the water we have and welcome any suggestions on conservation ideas. We need to think of the future.

[The Shadow]

Come on people, not all lawns can sparkle. It's still a free country and it's been a tough winter in terms of rain and cold weather there has been a lot of lawn die off and we are only allowed to water once a week.

When the regulations were written water costs and restrictions were different. Please don't get me wrong, I like a neat lawn and I want to have tidy looking landscape just like the next person. Water conservation is becoming more important due to the expanding population. Isn't it time to consider expanding our landscape options. Southern Florida has experienced even more difficulty, with water and lawn. I think we are blessed with the water we have and welcome any suggestions on conservation ideas. We need to think of the future.

Yes, conserve water for the people that will live in the homes that have not yet been built.

Nothing personal, just my opinion on a subject that gets my shorts in a knot.

Or maybe the lack of water is an indicator that an area is over built and the building should stop. Ya think!http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/The_Villages/Head.gif

[graciegirl]

Yes, conserve water for the people that will live in the homes that have not yet been built.

Nothing personal, just my opinion on a subject that gets my shorts in a knot.

Or maybe the lack of water is an indicator that an area is over built and the building should stop. Ya think!http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/The_Villages/Head.gif

The whole state of Florida is on water conservation. Mr. Shadow.

[The Shadow]

The whole state of Florida is on water conservation. Mr. Shadow.

I am sorry, I was not clear, my comments apply to all rationed water in Florida.

And I repeat,

Maybe the lack of water is an indicator that an area is over built and the building should stop.

You might find it interesting to know Mr. Shadow has a permit from Saint Johns to water three times a week, Ms gaciegirl.

[saratogaman]

And one of our water authorities gave some water bottling outfit the okay to take 500,000 gallons a day from our aquifer but we must conserve and let our lawns and landscaping wilt. Give me a break!

[graciegirl]

I am sorry, I was not clear, my comments apply to all rationed water in Florida.

And I repeat,

Maybe the lack of water is an indicator that an area is over built and the building should stop.

You might find it interesting to know Mr. Shadow has a permit from Saint Johns to water three times a week, Ms gaciegirl.

I think that the lawns looking so bad probably has more to do with a really cold winter. I also believe Zoysia grass is a little more durable than St. Augustine. Our lawn looks o.k. and has for two years. I am not sure where St. Johns is, but reading your posts I kind of thought you didn't live in The Villages. Pardon me if I am wrong.

I believe that I remember reading that The Villages is growing in the face of a downturn in growth of most of Florida. We have water restrictions at times in Cincinnati too, depending on rainfall.

I love working in the yard, some people don't. The people on our street maintain the lawn and fertilize which is crucial to it's appearance. it makes it pretty here for all of us to look at.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am sorry, I was not clear, my comments apply to all rationed water in Florida.

And I repeat,

Maybe the lack of water is an indicator that an area is over built and the building should stop.

You might find it interesting to know Mr. Shadow has a permit from Saint Johns to water three times a week, Ms gaciegirl.

How does one go about getting a permit to water three times a week?

[The Shadow]

How does one go about getting a permit to water three times a week?
First you have to demonstrate to an inspector/representative of Saint Johns that you have a need, such as maintaining a health lawn to prevent erosion. He then takes pictures and presents your case to a board and if approved you get a permit for $50.

[graciegirl]

First you have to demonstrate to an inspector/representative of Saint Johns that you have a need, such as maintaining a health lawn to prevent erosion. He then takes pictures and presents your case to a board and if approved you get a permit for $50.

Is that a state wide procedure in Florida or just in St. John's County? St. John's County is north of Lake County?

[Halle]

Gracie,
St.Johns County is south of Jacksonville and encompasses St.Augustine. I have relatives that live in St.Johns, well actually I think I have relatives in almost every county in Florida, Native Floridians.:)

Halle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_Florida_highlighting_Saint_Johns_Count y.svg

[zcaveman]

I think The Shadow is talking about the St Johns Water Management District that controls the water usage in our area. The District covers all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida.the state of Florida.


I don't believe he is talking about St Johns county.


Go to http://www.sjrwmd.com/ to see and read all about it.

Z

[The Shadow]

Is that a state wide procedure in Florida or just in St. John's County? St. John's County is north of Lake County?
That would be the St. Johns River Water Management District not St. Johns county.

[Halle]

Sumter County is not in the St.Johns River Water Mangagement District. It is in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. For those of us who own homes in Sumter County the following website is helpful concerning watering restrictions.

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions/