As the community matures it is  important to understand the landscaping maintenance standards that are expected to be followed by all homeowners in Encinitas Ranch. Keeping your landscaping healthy and with an attractive appearance not only helps with your own home values but also all other homes.

In addition to reviewing architectural applications, the Architectural Committee (AC) is charged with inspecting homes on a semi-annual basis. The inspections for the first half of 2025 are underway now. The committee members will be looking at both the condition of every home and their exterior landscaping. If they find a problem with a particular property the homeowner will be made aware through Keystone Pacific, our property manager. They will provide details along with timeline for addressing the problem(s).

Landscape maintenance does not require submission to the Architectural Committee so long as there is no material change in appearance of the property.

Below is an excerpt from the Architectural Standards that spells out the details for maintaining your landscaping:

•  Front and backyard landscaping, including lawn areas, must be neatly trimmed and kept free of weeds, dead and diseased plants, trees or grass, trash or debris, and other unsightly materials.
•  Ground covers, especially organic mulch, must be refreshed as needed and kept free of weeds.
•  Edging must be kept neat and in good condition.
•  Proper drainage must be maintained.
•  Ground cover, shrubs, and grass shall not encroach into community sidewalks or driveways.
•  Replacement of existing grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers with new grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers in approximately the same location       and quantity is considered maintenance.
•  Installation of additional trees in the front yard over 20 feet in height at maturity must be submitted to the Architectural Committee for review as a Minor Exterior Improvement Application.
•  The root system of trees, shrubs, and hedges installed on an Owner’s Lot must not disturb foundations, walls, fences or sidewalks of   either an adjacent property or Common Area.
•  Irrespective of any approval granted, the community reserves th right to require an owner to trim and/or remove any tree(s), branch(s), shrub(s), plant(s) or root(s) of any kind on the Owner’s Lot that is determined by the Architectural Committee and/or the community board to materially encroach in any way on an adjacent property, community sidewalk, community common areas, or any other pedestrian way.
•  Street trees in the Community Common Area are maintained by the community and may only be removed, trimmed and replaced by the community.
•  Removal of an existing tree on an Owner’s Lot that is causing damage or has the potential to cause damage to a property or adjacent property is considered maintenance. Replacement of that tree is not required. Tree stumps must be ground down to below sod level and covered.
•  Synthetic turf in any location of the property shall be kept clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Periodic infill may be required to maintain proper drainage. Synthetic turf shall not be allowed to exceed its useful life or become faded or discolored.