A Texas homeowner's landscaping plan has stalled after the homeowners association rejected his environmentally friendly proposal. For now, they can't replace parts of their traditional lawn with native and drought-tolerant plants.
In a post on Reddit's r/AustinGardening forum, the homeowner shared a rendering of his planned 1,100-square-foot lawn reduction project, writing, “The ARC (Architectural Review Committee) has already rejected my plan… I rebutted, citing Texas Property Code 202.007. I now have a Zoom meeting scheduled for October 2nd scheduled.”
The image shows a carefully landscaped garden with native plants adapted to the dry Texas climate. This is an improvement over traditional lawns that require tons of water.
The original poster added: “Would you please share your tactics or reasoning with us? My goal is to show you how beautiful and SMART drought tolerant landscaping can be.”
Across the country, HOAs have developed a reputation for opposing improvements such as native landscaping, vegetable gardens and solar panels. These sustainable changes can help save money, conserve water and support local biodiversity. However, limiting homeowners can discourage eco-friendly choices and prevent homeowners from saving money.
Native and drought-tolerant gardens require far less watering, mowing and chemical use than traditional lawns. Additionally, gardening offers mental and physical health benefits while being aesthetically pleasing.
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Gardens provide important habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, protecting our overall food supply. They can even reduce runoff and erosion and help combat the increasing effects of drought in hot, dry regions like Texas.
Fortunately, residents have options. Many states – including Texas – have enacted “right to garden” laws that protect homeowners who want to create more sustainable gardens. For readers who face similar resistance, learn how you can work with your HOA to update local bylaws and support environmentally friendly changes.
The post quickly found support.
One commenter suggested: “Have them articulate specific reasons why your plan is a problem – sometimes it can just be a specific choice or even the way you formatted your submission. More and more homeowners' associations are coming around to see the benefits of native landscaping, and your plan isn't particularly controversial, as far as I can tell.”
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Another user added: “Keep fighting to plant these! Thank you for taking care of nature! Maybe recommend them to read the book Nature's Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy.”
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