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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | MARCH 2025 | 7 Don't Let Your Lawn, Plants Or Trees Get Out Of Control We are continuing 2025 by talking for the rst time in a while about a very important Standard: Landscaping and Other Related Alterations. e General Conditions, p.15-17 of the Architectural Standards and Regulations provide very detailed Standards and Regulations for this. e rst Standard is the guiding principle of greatest importance: "All landscaping, plantings, and installation of permanent irrigation systems by a Homeowner shall remain aesthetically consistent with the design and plan of the Community as determined by the ARC." Four Seasons Association Property and almost every home's landscaping looks much more attractive than the other 55+ communities in and around Hemet. e HOA Landscape Committee of the Association and the Board itself take great care to look aer our landscaping on Association Property, spending our fees wisely and thoughtfully, having trees pruned, and plants replaced. But then there are homeowners in Four Seasons that don't do the same for their property. Management is responsible for periodically inspecting our homes to see if they don't meet the Standards. If necessary, Maria Donti will send you a letter identifying what should be done, sometimes requiring an application to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Natural grass is particularly dicult to maintain in our arid climate with little rain and high temperatures. is is one of the rst things we look at, and it is usually rather evident. Many residents have converted their lawns to articial turf or drought tolerant landscapes, with ARC approval. Existing natural grass can be replaced with new natural grass without ARC approval. Please ensure that drip and sprinkler systems are in good working order and watering the desired areas only, saving water and damage to the streets. Trees and plants will die if not properly maintained. e Standard on p.17 regarding Trees is also subject to ARC review. As trees grow, they should be maintained, shaped and trimmed, and irrigated. ere are specic standards regarding the maximum height and location of trees. ose over 15' shall be trimmed according to the National Arborist Standards. Palm trees shall be always trimmed of dead fronds and seed pods. Trees and plants also die. Most show early signs of dying. Caught at an early stage, a tree can oen be saved, saving money and the time to replace it because the Standards say that "Any tree proposed for replacement may be subject to tree replacement with a tree from the approved Tree List, as determined by the ARC." So, don't just remove a tree, submit an application to the ARC. Tree, plant and grass removal and replacement should not proceed until ARC approval is obtained. It is always advisable to get multiple quotes and references for work on your home. Ensure that the landscaper is licensed as a contractor and has a business license. ere are other details that should be spelled out in a landscaper's proposal to be sure you will receive the best job for the money. Landscapers may take shortcuts that aect the success of the job. Please don't wait for a letter from Maria asking you to address the condition of your lawn or trim your trees. Don't let them get out of control! Architectural Review