that 5 letter word 'grass'

16 years ago

Hello, new FL. resident here. I've been lurking on this Forum, and it is wonderful.

I am so _not_ a grass person.

We bought a home in Clermont. The HOA rules state that St.Augustine must be planted for "X" feet from curb. Chinch bugs are very happily living in the evil stuff that used to be St.Aug.

So, if I _have_ to plant grass in that area, what types will work best in the sandy soil and not allow those critters to thrive?

Thanks for your help. You'll be getting more "dumb newbie" postings from me.

Dot

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Comments (8)

abendwolke
16 years ago
how do you plan on getting around that HOA rule that St. Augustine (and not Bahaia) MUST be planted? I am asking, because I have the same problem as you

Evelyn
countrynest
16 years ago
Dot, I do not have an answer but I want to welcome you to the group. Remember no question is a dumb question. We were all new to gardening ourselves once.

Felix
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katkin_gw
16 years ago
Yes, welcome to the group. I agree no question is dumb, it is dumb not to ask for a answer. :o)
fl_southpaw
16 years ago
Hi Dot and welcome:

If it has to be St. Augustine then I guess it would have to be Floritam. If you can get away with another type then... for the little bit of grass I have, I am having great success with Empire and Empress zoysia. I never spray, rarely fertilize and firmly believe that if it's green and I can cut it, it's good enough.

Good luck and welcome,
Julie in WPB
laura1
16 years ago
With water shortages and concerns for the safety of our water (run off of pesticides) I think these HOAs are going to have to get REAL. In my community I've seen several yards that have gotten rid of all the grass in the front. One guy told me that if it conserves water they have to let you do it. I don't know how true that is but he hasn't gotten any letters. Certainly a well landscaped yard (w/o grass) looks better than grass that can only be watered once a week and the bugs have had dinner in.

I have someone coming out on Monday to help me with a design to get rid of as much st. augustine as possible.

I don't know if any of that helped you but I am on your side (we all are!) and welcome to the florida forum.
nativemel
16 years ago
Florida Statute 720.3075(4): Homeowners' association documents, including declarations of covenants, articles of incorporation, or bylaws, entered after October 1, 2001, may not prohibit any property owner from implementing Xeriscape or Florida-friendly landscape, as defined in s. 373.185(1), on his or her land.

SO.....

If your community was created after 10/1/2001 you can do whatever environmentally friendly landscaping you want regardless of whether or not your HOA restrictions say you must have lawn.
doc_dot
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you-all. For all the welcoming mssges and truly welcomed advice.

Nativemel from Orlando, your info. is exactly what I need. The HOA is still under the thumb of the original developer(s), who have been here _forever_ and are older than I. And I am not young.

I am also not shy. The committee needs some fresh ideas. Here I come!

Thanks to ALL of you again.

Dot
islandpete
16 years ago
Talk to your county extention about this. See if they can get swifmud to make the right changes to the HOA by laws due to the water restrictions

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that 5 letter word 'grass'

Comments (8)

abendwolke

countrynest

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fl_southpaw

laura1

nativemel

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that 5 letter word 'grass'

Comments (8)

abendwolke

countrynest

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fl_southpaw

laura1

nativemel

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islandpete

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