Over the next two weeks, a review of the Minimum Landscape Requirements will be performed on each property by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). As a member of the HOA, each of you agreed to adhere to the Architectural Guidelines set forth by the Arbor's Edge Homeowners Association, a non-profit South Dakota corporation, duly organized under the laws of the State of South Dakota.
According to the Arbor's Edge by-laws, members of the appointed committee have the right to access to Lots in the HOA:
Section 11. Rights of Access. An Owner shall grant a right of access to his Lot, but not his home, to the Director and any other person authorized by the Board of Directors, to allow inspections; to correct any condition originating in his Lot and threatening another Lot or a
Common Property. Requests for such entry shall be made in advance and such entry shall be immediate, whether the Owner is present at the time or not.
ARC Committee Members will be checking for compliance with the Minimum Landscape Requirements defined in the Architectural Guidelines as follows:
MINIMUM LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS
I. Planting Requirements.
a. Lots smaller than 15,000 square feet require three (3) trees or evergreens (minimum of one in the backyard), in addition to the trees presently occupying the Property. At least ten (10) bushes and/or shrubs must be planted within twelve months and cover at least 200 square feet at maturity. Additional trees, shrubs, and perennials beyond the minimum requirements are encouraged.
b. Lots greater than 15,000 square feet require six (6) trees or evergreens (minimum of two in the backyard), in addition to the trees presently occupying the Property. At least fifteen (15) bushes and/or shrubs must be planted within twelve months and cover at least 300 square feet at maturity. Additional trees, shrubs, and perennials beyond the minimum requirements are encouraged.
c. All trees planted shall be of two (2) inch caliper or larger and of an acceptable variety, according to the Arbors Edge Community Covenants and Restrictions.
d. All areas that are not occupied by trees, planting beds, shrubs, decks, patios or pavement must be sodded and irrigated.
e. Lots on the Golf Course must utilize landscaping that meshes with that of the course. Minimizing the barrier between the two will be important in preserving the natural appearance.
f. Prohibited trees include Box Elder, Cottonwood, and Elm.
II. Minimum Material Requirements.
a. Assorted rocks are allowed to decorate planting beds. No lava rocks or white quartzite will be allowed. Decorative boulders are allowed, but cannot exceed four (4) feet in diameter.
b. Lot owners are encouraged to use natural stone for retaining walls.
c. Shredded hardwood mulch is allowed to decorate planting beds with a minimum of three (3) inches depth. The property owner must replenish the mulch with a new topcoat each spring on or before May 15th.
d. Rocks or hardwood mulch must be used in planting beds.
e. Patios will be made of concrete or natural stone pavers. Blacktop is prohibited.
f. Man made ponds and waterfalls are encouraged. Owners must preserve the integrity of all water features and not allow algae to overtake the pond.
g. The use of native grasses is permitted, however, such species must be kept within the planting beds and clearly distinguishable from sodded areas.
h. Each Owner is responsible for screening all external utilities such as furnace, air conditioning units, pumps, etc., using appropriate landscape fencing, lattice, bushes, or shrubs.
If the ARC Committee finds that your property does not meet the minimum requirements, you will be receiving an official notice of the violation(s), including next steps. All violations will be kept private and we will work with you individually on a deadline to meet compliance. If you have a landscape plan with an upcoming completion date already scheduled, feel free to proactively reach out to the ARC using the Contact Us area of the site.
Natural beauty has always been one of the distinctive characteristics of our neighborhood and a valued attribute of our residential community. Our goal is to have each property in the HOA contribute to the overall beauty of the neighborhood by adhering to the minimum requirements.
If you have any immediate questions, please contact the AE Architectural Committee.