Outdoor landscaping

[Radamo]

In looking at several deed restriction docs some things are not clear to me. I seem to recall one mentioned that any added hedge or shrubs cannot be higher than 4' and must be approved. I assume this is for folks wanting to add some privacy to their lanai. But I see pictures of homes with shrubs/hedges that are well over 6 feet behind their lanai? What happens in practice?

Some refer to adding any new landscaping as needing to be approved. Are people allowed to plant a palm or lemon tree (really thinking just tropical plants to enhance the yard)? I see many homes with palms but they are primarily in the older sections.

Thanks for any owner tips... we are currently looking and just want to make sure I understand the docs a bit better.

[UsuallyLurking]

The general rule is that any changes outside the house need ARC approval. If you have specific questions you can always call Community Standards (352-751-3912).

[DAVES]

In looking at several deed restriction docs some things are not clear to me. I seem to recall one mentioned that any added hedge or shrubs cannot be higher than 4' and must be approved. I assume this is for folks wanting to add some privacy to their lanai. But I see pictures of homes with shrubs/hedges that are well over 6 feet behind their lanai? What happens in practice?

Some refer to adding any new landscaping as needing to be approved. Are people allowed to plant a palm or lemon tree (really thinking just tropical plants to enhance the yard)? I see many homes with palms but they are primarily in the older sections.

Thanks for any owner tips... we are currently looking and just want to make sure I understand the docs a bit better.

Post #2 even gives you the phone number. Contact ARC. First of all the rules are different depending on which village you live in. They are not the enemy.
It is far better to do things right rather than needing to remove plants etc that you have paid for and worked to put in. Hedges, I believe must be on your property and you must trim both sides. Fruit trees, they tend to be a lot of work, spraying, picking etc.

[Radamo]

Thanks for the info and replies. This all makes sense and will be something we can certainly work with. Looking forward to finding our perfect home.

[Smalley]

A landscaping project is also needed in our villa. Has anyone planted papaya trees? Did they produce good fruit? How much work are they? Thanks to fellow gardeners.

[njbchbum]

You can view Deed Restrictions here:
Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx)

You can view the more important District Adopted Rules here:
VCDD Community Standards (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/DistrictAdoptedRules.aspx)

Re the District Rules - be sure to scroll to the section of the spreadsheet exhibit - it is there that you can clearly see the nuances of difference and similarity among the various Villages/Units.

[DAVES]

A landscaping project is also needed in our villa. Has anyone planted papaya trees? Did they produce good fruit? How much work are they? Thanks to fellow gardeners.

You want to look it up on the internet. I've not done it but it says zone 9-10. We are 9a, you will need something blocking the wind. The tree is 30 feet high-do you have room for it? It says you need to cover the fruit with paper bags to avoid animal damage. Teasing but not. Are you prepared to climb a 30 foot tree and put paper bags over fruit? In the photo the trunk looks like a palm not the kind of multibranched easy to climb tree.