When you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), one of the biggest perks is having a beautifully maintained community. Each association has its own landscaping rules that homeowners must follow to ensure compliance and maintain community standards. But who exactly is responsible for keeping that landscaping looking pristine—the HOA or the individual homeowner?
Understanding the division of responsibilities can save you time, prevent HOA violations, and help you maintain curb appeal year-round. Whether you’re a new homeowner in an HOA community or managing an HOA property in Denver, it’s important to review the governing documents of the association. Associations set specific landscaping rules and landscaping rules to maintain community standards, property values, and community aesthetics.
This guide will help clarify homeowners association landscaping rules for both new and existing residents.
Homeowners Associations & Landscaping Explained
HOA landscaping refers to all outdoor maintenance performed within a community governed by a homeowners association. This can include:
- Mowing and maintaining shared green spaces
- Caring for community trees, shrubs, flower beds, and other plant species
- Maintaining a plant palette or approved plant list to ensure compliance with HOA landscaping standards
- Snow removal on shared roads and sidewalks
- Irrigation system maintenance for common areas
- Mulching, pruning, and seasonal cleanups in community spaces
The scope of services can vary depending on the HOA, the type of development (e.g., single-family homes vs. townhomes or condos), and the governing documents of the association. Landscape maintenance and HOA landscape maintenance often include caring for specific areas within the community and ensuring that each plant meets established community standards.
HOA Responsibilities: What’s Usually Covered?
Most HOAs in the Denver area handle landscaping for common areas, ensuring the entire neighborhood maintains a cohesive and polished appearance. A committee often reviews the details of landscaping plans and associated fees to ensure all properties are properly maintained.
Here’s what they typically cover:
Common Area Landscaping
HOAs usually maintain all shared spaces within the development. These efforts are designed to enhance the community’s aesthetic and ensure specific areas remain attractive. This can include:
- Park strips and medians
- Neighborhood entryways and signage areas
- Clubhouses, community centers, and pools
- Walking trails and small park areas
- Shared courtyards in condo or townhome complexes
These areas are mowed regularly, treated for weeds and pests, and kept clean with routine maintenance.
Snow Removal for Common Spaces
In colder months, HOAs are generally responsible for snow removal in communal areas, including:
- Private HOA-owned roads
- Parking lots
- Clubhouse walkways
- Sidewalks that run alongside common areas
Note: This doesn’t always extend to sidewalks in front of private homes—more on that below.
Irrigation System Maintenance (Shared)
For shared irrigation systems tied to common landscaping, the HOA usually pays for repairs, adjustments, and seasonal activation/blowouts.
Tree & Shrub Maintenance in Shared Zones
Trees and shrubs located in public or shared spaces fall under the HOA’s care. HOAs often have rules that prohibit removing trees without approval, as trees add value and beauty to the community. They’ll trim, prune, or remove them as needed, but tree removal is typically regulated by specific HOA rules to protect the community’s landscape.
Homeowner Responsibilities: What You’re On the Hook For
While HOAs handle the common areas, individual homeowners are still responsible for maintaining their own lot’s appearance—especially the areas immediately surrounding the home. Residents must also manage personal gardens and any lawn decorations they choose to install.
Regular lawn maintenance is essential for compliance with HOA guidelines, including mowing, weed control, and debris removal.
Some homeowners may wish to grow fruits or vegetables, but should check HOA guidelines before starting personal gardens.
Front & Backyard Lawn Care
Unless otherwise stated in your HOA agreement, homeowners are responsible for:
- Mowing their lawn
- Edging along driveways and sidewalks
- Watering the lawn and landscape beds
- Managing weeds and fertilization
- Reseeding or repairing lawn damage
- Keeping yards free of clutter and ensuring any lawn furniture meets HOA standards
Failure to maintain these areas can result in warnings or fines from the HOA.
Shrubs, Beds, & Garden Areas on Your Lot
Homeowners are typically in charge of:
- Trimming and shaping bushes
- Removing or replacing dead plants
- Refreshing mulch or rock beds
- Preventing overgrowth into sidewalks or a neighbor’s property
If you’ve customized your landscape with unique plants, lighting, or garden features, these are also your responsibility to care for. The plants residents choose must comply with HOA-approved plant lists to ensure community standards are met.
Sidewalk Snow Removal (In Front of Your Home)
In many Denver-area HOAs, homeowners are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks in front of their property. Check your bylaws—some HOAs may help if the sidewalks are deemed part of a shared pathway, but this varies by community.
Tree Maintenance (Private Lots)
If a tree is planted within your property boundary (even if it was originally HOA-installed), you’re often responsible for its upkeep—pruning, trimming, and dealing with any disease or storm damage. However, before making significant changes to trees on your property, homeowners may need to seek approval or HOA approval from the committee to ensure compliance with community guidelines.
What About Townhomes or Condo Communities?
In townhome or condo communities, HOA landscaping services are usually more extensive. The HOA may take care of:
- All exterior landscaping (including front and back lawns)
- Snow removal from driveways and private sidewalks
- Tree and shrub maintenance near the buildings
- Irrigation for all units
Fences, their certain height, and even the house exterior appearance are often regulated by the HOA to maintain community standards.
However, you may still be responsible for small courtyards, patios, or container gardens that you’ve personally added. Always check your HOA’s CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) for clarity.
Keep in mind that personal gardens or patios may look less attractive in the off-season, so plan accordingly.
Why This Division of Landscaping Matters
Understanding the split between HOA and homeowner landscaping responsibilities helps:
- Prevent fines or citations: Ignorance of your duties won’t excuse neglect.
- Maintain neighborhood standards: Everyone doing their part keeps property values high.
- Save time and budget effectively: Knowing what you’re responsible for allows better planning for lawn care, snow removal, or irrigation needs.
- Streamline communication with your HOA: You’ll know who to call for repairs or maintenance concerns.
- Benefit from following the community’s guidelines: Adhering to the community’s guidelines provides benefits such as enhanced property values, legal peace of mind, and greater community approval.
The Real Cost of Skipping Professional Landscaping: Time, Money, and Fines
If you’re thinking of handling all your yard maintenance on your own, it’s worth weighing the true cost—both in time and money. While DIY landscaping may seem like a way to save, many homeowners choose to hire a landscape professional to ensure compliance with HOA rules and avoid unexpected fees. It can quickly become overwhelming, especially when factoring in HOA expectations and potential fines.
DIY Maintenance Costs
Homeowners in HOA communities often underestimate what it takes to keep up with landscaping requirements. Here’s a general breakdown:
Time Commitment:
- Mowing, edging, and cleanup: 1.5–2 hours/week
- Seasonal tasks (aeration, fertilizing, mulching): 6–10 hours/season
- Snow removal (winter): 30–60 minutes per snowfall event
That adds up to 60–100+ hours per year just on routine maintenance—not counting larger jobs or equipment issues.
Equipment & Supply Costs:
- Lawn mower: $300–$600
- Edger or trimmer: $100–$250
- Fertilizer and weed control: $150–$300/year
- Mulch and plants: $100–$500/season
- Snow shovel or snow blower: $100–$700
Total estimated annual DIY cost: $800–$1,500+
Total time investment per year: 60+ hours
Even before accounting for mistakes, rework, or emergency fixes, DIY landscaping can be both time-consuming and expensive.
HOA Fine Estimates for Landscaping Neglect
Neglecting your landscaping duties as a homeowner in an HOA community doesn’t just impact appearances—it can hurt your wallet, too.
Common HOA fine types:
Here are some of the most common examples of HOA landscaping fines:
- Overgrown grass or weeds: $50–$150 per notice
- Dead or untrimmed shrubs/trees: $100–$200
- Failure to remove snow in front of property: $75–$100 per event
- General property neglect (repeat violations): $250+ or legal enforcement. Certain violations, such as leaving standing water, can pose a health risk and result in additional fines.
Most HOAs offer a warning first—but repeat offenses often lead to compounding fines, liens, or even legal action.
The Smarter Option: Professional Lawn Care from Denver Lawn & Snow
Instead of juggling tools, weekends, and HOA rules, let our team handle it for you. Denver Lawn & Snow provides affordable, professional lawn care and snow removal services that not only protect your time but keep you in full compliance with HOA standards.
You avoid:
- Surprise fines
- Equipment costs
- Lost weekends
- Physical strain
- Guesswork on seasonal care
And you gain:
- A pristine, HOA-approved yard
- Expert recommendations and installation of drought-resistant plants and xeriscaping to meet local water conservation guidelines
- Predictable, transparent pricing
- Peace of mind—year-round
How Denver Lawn & Snow Supports HOAs & Homeowners Alike
Whether you’re managing an HOA or living in one, Denver Lawn & Snow makes landscaping stress-free with reliable, professional service.
For HOA Boards and Property Managers:
We partner with HOA boards and property managers to provide:
- Weekly mowing and maintenance for common areas
- Seasonal cleanups and mulching
- Tree and shrub care
- Snow removal and ice management
- Irrigation system activation and winterization
- Power washing for shared walkways or entry monuments
We offer customized service plans tailored to your community’s layout, budget, and expectations—with dependable communication and reporting.
For Homeowners in HOA Communities:
We also work directly with homeowners who want to stay HOA-compliant without the hassle. Our residential services include:
- Regular mowing and edging
- Shrub and hedge trimming
- Lawn fertilization and aeration
- Rock bed maintenance
- Mulching and flower bed care
- Sidewalk snow removal
Whether you’re dealing with HOA guidelines or just want your lawn to look great, we’ll keep your outdoor space in top shape—year-round.
Let’s Keep Your Curb Appeal Looking Great
If you’re looking for reliable, affordable HOA landscaping in the Denver area, reach out to Denver Lawn & Snow today. We’ll work with your HOA, management company, or household directly to create a plan that meets every guideline—and exceeds expectations.Call us today or request a free quote online to get started.