ARC approval question - gardening

[FG111]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks

[thelegges]

Best to ask them, safe than sorry.

[John_W]

...

[JohnN]

You're making my back hurt.
Best to at least query ARC, but... I cannot imagine any problem.

If it were me, I'd probably just do it and not ask if it's just rock instead of pine straw.
If you remove grass, better ask ARC

[FG111]

So this is an existing section of landscaping and you only want to change the bedding from straw to rocks. I seriously doubt anyone would even consider reporting that to ARC. All ARC violations are instigated by someone making a complaint. That doesn't sound like a valid complaint since almost every homeowner will remove the pine straw at one time or another. That's also a good time to put down weed block.

Thank you for your response. Obviously I have e-mailed ARC and hoping to get an answer soon, but this appears to be a very trivial matter. I can't believe ARC is concerned or for that matter anyone is concerned about some decorative rocks on my front lawn, but again, this is The Villages.....Thank You John.

[villagetinker]

I actually converted the front landscaping from mulch to stone, and when I called ARC they told me approval was required, note this was for CDD 9 and around 4 years ago.

[Mohawksin]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks

Call Community Standards first. They will either tell you to go ahead or advise you that ARC will need to get involved. We were pleasantly surprised when they volunteered how much more we were able to do on a project.

Taking the high road is more pleasant than the concept of 'just do it' as espoused by some on this thread.

[DAVES]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks

Suggested by others, I would ask ARC. I would also contact the cooperative extension.
It is a radical change of environment for your plants. As part of that free service, they can tell you what plants you have from pictures. That would allow you to research proper care. At the same time, it would be wise to have a soil test done.

[Girlcopper]

Thank you for your response. Obviously I have e-mailed ARC and hoping to get an answer soon, but this appears to be a very trivial matter. I can't believe ARC is concerned or for that matter anyone is concerned about some decorative rocks on my front lawn, but again, this is The Villages.....Thank You John.
Its trivial like you said. Id just do it and not beg for permission. Why give them an option to say no over a small thing

[G.R.I.T.S.]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks

If it's an existing bed, I don't think the ARC needs to be involved. However, I always question why rocks are preferred over mulch. Weeds are more difficult to pull in rock beds, so people resort to using LOTS of weed killer which in turn seeps through to the shallow water table, leaving behind unsightly dead weeds. 😖

[nick demis]

If you thoroughly describe, in WRITING, to community standards and to ARC if necessary, and get approval, than you have something in writing in case anyone complains in the future. Very cheap insurance policy.

[jarodrig]

Its trivial like you said. Id just do it and not beg for permission. Why give them an option to say no over a small thing

It won’t be such a “small thing” if someone complains and you are found to be out of compliance.....

Personally, I’m extremely happy there are deed restrictions ! Just take a drive through the neighborhoods in the “historic” sections of The Villages and you’ll agree.

No disrespect to you but the ONLY advise that I would take from this forum regarding this issue has been stated several times .... that is, check with the ARC to make sure that what you’re about to do is OK.....

[dadoiron]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks
Your not making any actual change except to change the medium used. So no you don't need to report it. You can also get some idea from the rest of the homes near by you.

[Stu from NYC]

Its trivial like you said. Id just do it and not beg for permission. Why give them an option to say no over a small thing

You should get an ok from the two little old ladies who drive around the villages in a golf cart reporting violations to the ARC and anyone else they can think of.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

I had to get approval to change from mulch to rocks. Friendly neighbor ������ complained to Arc

[Bill1701]

You don't specify is this is the front or back or side. My understanding is that as long as you don't change the drainage in the back you can pretty much do what you want. The front, and maybe the sides, are a different matter. You should always check with ARC on these.

[dewilson58]

After six years, I saw the house on the corner behind Eisenhower Rec Center had to clear out their landscape which was too close to the street.

[stebooo]

I wouldn't think so but they are a crazy regulator.

[Two Bills]

I always check with the ARC before I use the bathroom.
Just in case!:icon_wink:

[Saluce]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks

Yes you do.

[PugMom]

If it's an existing bed, I don't think the ARC needs to be involved. However, I always question why rocks are preferred over mulch. Weeds are more difficult to pull in rock beds, so people resort to using LOTS of weed killer which in turn seeps through to the shallow water table, leaving behind unsightly dead weeds. 😖

we like the stones because they are much easier & in the end, cheaper than mulch. (mulch lasts a few months before it turns to dry, grey fodder.) the guys who did ours, Mansfield Landscaping, did a WONDERFUL job, with thick layers of stone. we never use weed killer, because we don't get weeds with the 8inches of stone. i can't recommend them enough, & is worth the $$.

[bpascani]

I would put in request to ARC. I'm sure they will approve it, and then you don't have to worry if someone complains. We did massive landscape, extended patio, pergola and summer kitchen, so wanted approval on all. Someone complained about our pergola, which is MUCH smaller and shorter than the 'bird cages and screened lanais that surround us. It was SO nice not having to worry about anything. We later extended our golf cart driveway...needed approval for that (which we obtained), but turns out you don't need approval for the painting. OR maybe at least ask ARC if you need approval, and have in writing that/if they say 'no, you don't

[Garywt]

Of the 20 or so homes on our street most did stone and or a wall and only 3 or so got approval.

[Bogie Shooter]

I wouldn't think so but they are a crazy regulator.

Who are you referring to?

[jimjamuser]

I'm contemplating a do-it-yourself landscaping upgrade to a 14 feet x 7 feet cut-out section of landscaping which was planted by the developer when I bought the house which houses several plants and the plants are surrounded by pine straw.

Question - Do I need ARC approval to replace the pine straw with decorative rocks ?

Thanks
Let the Nike motto be your guide.

[Marathon Man]

You don't specify is this is the front or back or side. My understanding is that as long as you don't change the drainage in the back you can pretty much do what you want. The front, and maybe the sides, are a different matter. You should always check with ARC on these.

Please read you deed restrictions. You will see nothing that states that the restrictions apply to the front yard only.

[Garywt]

Please read you deed restrictions. You will see nothing that states that the restrictions apply to the front yard only.

Maybe so but our yard is fenced in so nobody sees it.