I replied, "Not quite."
The Grounds Committee has a plan and budget for new plantings. Most plantings/removals are their efforts and informed by FL botanists and landscape professionals.
As far as what a resident can plant, our HOA has a booklet of guidelines about how to be a good community member. In the section about building and landscape management, one request is that nothing be planted in the common areas without filling out a form to propose your request to the HOA Board. These guidelines and the process of seeking permission is meant to be helpful to residents, the community, and this precious preserved wetland habitat where we and wildlife reside.
But, specifically, why "rules" about plants? Here are a few reasons to check with your HOA.
To check the type plants - Florida friendly, native OR invasive.
For example, a resident in another village loved Potato Vine for its heart-shaped leaves, and threw a few of its potatoes (loaded with seeds) in one of Woodland's native areas. Well, Potato Vine is our area's kudzu - it's invasive. Yikes! Resident Steve and his brother Dave worked years to remove it (almost gone). But now it's showing up in the Pineneedle area off Oak Street.
To consider a plant's upkeep and costs to the HOA.
A few examples:
1. Do the plants proposed grow well in WWS's high alkaline soil?
"Amending will not change a soil pH." - Susan Griffith, UFL.
The HOA has tested our soil, so if a proposed plant likes acidic soil, it will have to be amended for its life. Usually what happens is the plant/tree dies and needs to be removed and replaced at HOA (all village residents') expense. Simpson Stoppers, a small tree, does well in this soil. The blooms and berries attract birds.
2. Costs and maintenance.
Most Florida plants need trimming to maintain health. Some plants need more maintenance than others. The HOA Grounds Committee has a history of helpful plant information.
Wanting a butterfly garden isn't enough. They need care and cannot be treated with herbicides. So, there are 5 beautiful butterfly gardens in our area that contribute to the original intent of Wildewood Springs being an Audubon Wildlife area. However, all were first approved by the HOA, then paid for and planted by individual residents who can maintain them: weeding, replanting, finding other neighbors to weed them in the summer if they are not here.
To consider the plant's effects on the buildings.
1. Planting too close to the building.
All trees and palms root systems need to be considered when planting near the foundation.
A couple years ago, Pineneedle GC and residents removed Octopus Trees (scheffleras) near building foundations (38 seedlings/10 trees - Octopus trees are on the invasive species list for central Florida). Their roots damage building foundations and pipes, and can lift sidewalk sections (danger of tripping). We have a few scheffleras in our parking lot. The canopies are controlled as a way of controlling the expansive fibrous root systems.
2. Plantings on fences.
Our HOA asks that we do not grow vines on the fences or hang pots or anything that might stress the fence. Replacement wood prices are high and there is already important, budgeted maintenance.
The result is a community working together to create Florida and building-friendly garden areas for the benefit of residents and wildlife. The most common thing I hear is "I am so fortunate to live here."
