[cgarcia112]

Below is a pic I took of a yard of a home we are looking at. No landscaping as of yet. I jaw a lot of plans.
What the demarcation of stone ad bare desert near the wall?
I've heard rumblings of codes/regs that dictate that you can't landscape or put "certain" things near your wall.
Anyone clarify this?
How about grass? SynLawn? Pool?
I would hate to essentially waste all that space around the yard.

Thanks!




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[Buzz123]

I've never heard of regulations about putting plants near a wall. I have lots of plants, and trees, near my walls, and have had at every house we've been in since about 1967. Just drive around town and look at all the trees and bushes that are next to walls. I don't think anyone could stop you if you wanted to plant grass in the whole space, but it is a waste of water, and would get expensive to water everyday in the hot months. Also keep in mind that if your sprinklers hit those walls it can be really bad cosmetically. You should find plants to put close to the wall that don't have large, wandering, roots that would cause problems. Usually a combination of plants and rocks is best here in the southwest. Go to the Springs Preserve and learn about desert gardening. They'll have all kinds of information for you in books and brochures. Becoming a Desert Gardener Workshop

Linn Mills probably teaches some of those classes, and his book, co-authored with Dick Post of Northern Nevada, is the bible for Nevada gardeners. You can find them everywhere. Google

[cgarcia112]

Not a die hard for real grass, perhaps syn-lawn type,... But I way over priced.
Very important for me to be able to rustle around in the yard with my kids, play ball, etc. Sure there are parks, but I, personally, need this at home.


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[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by cgarcia112

Not a die hard for real grass, perhaps syn-lawn type,... But I way over priced.
Very important for me to be able to rustle around in the yard with my kids, play ball, etc. Sure there are parks, but I, personally, need this at home.


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I am here: Google Maps

If you have an HOA they probably won't allow "AstroTurf" type "lawns". And keep in mind it probably won't last that long in our weather.

Pools are expensive to build, and a real pain to maintain, but it looks like you have more than enough room for one. I've always heard they have to have a certain amount of space around them, but I've seen lots of them in very close spaces.

I think the white stone around the wall there is just to give a sense of separation, or something different. You know, the eye of the beholder, etc.

[Spraynard Kruger]

It looks like you live in Mountains Edge. From what I know, they have some of the more restrictive rules regarding placement and type of plants (restrictions on palms, etc). Before you hire a contractor that claims they know the CC & R's, you'd be well served to read the list of approved plants, turf percentages and take a trip down to the nursery and get ideas for your yard based on the approved plants. Once you get your plan sketched out, you will have to have them approved by the association. Think long and hard about which trees you plant as a lot of people want a lush backyard from the gate...only to find that sapling Chilean Mesquite has grown to a 30' umbrella in five years and you have to rip it out.

You don't want to plant anything near the walls with invasive root systems or any kind of sprinkler overspray. Same goes for the foundation of your home.

Good luck! Fewer things were more fun for me than designing and making my backyard come to life.

[Trash Can]

Originally Posted by Spraynard Kruger

Before you hire a contractor that claims they know the CC & R's, you'd be well served to read the list of approved plants, turf percentages and take a trip down to the nursery and get ideas for your yard based on the approved plants.Once you get your plan sketched out, you will have to have them approved by the association.

My HOA includes any restrictions/special instructions in their approval letter. To keep everyone on the same page, I always send a copy of this letter to the contractor before any work is started.

[tijlover]

What are the rules in regard to painting those walls, which might give a great lift to the backyard?

I'm color crazy, not just inside my house but outside as well. I have 2 couryard walls, one bright purple, the other colbalt blue.

Just curious about the painting restrictions to those communities. If couldn't paint my courtyard walls, I wouldn't move there!

[Spraynard Kruger]

Originally Posted by Trash Can

My HOA includes any restrictions/special instructions in their approval letter. To keep everyone on the same page, I always send a copy of this letter to the contractor before any work is started.

Thats unique. I got burned by a super nice and otherwise competent contractor who planted a certain type of eucalyptus tree that was not on the approved list of plants. He was convinced he "knew the rules." On my community approvals and applications, they don't get that detailed on the submission...and the contractors often fail to do their due diligence...which brings it back to the homeowner who will be holding the bag for a $250 tree if something goes wrong.

Fortunately, it died and it was replaced by the contractor....from the approved list the second time around.

Caveat Emptor.

[cgarcia112]

If would help. the home is in Summerlin.

There is actually 3 little yards in the back. The one shown would be where the pool would likely go. One will be a grass/synth grass area, the other a concrete area (quater BBall court, tricycles, etc.).

[cgarcia112]

Anyone have experience adding a second story room? Example. Home has a a large family room bedroom downstairs and the upstairs only covers about half the home.
So would want to add a large room (game room) ontop of bedroom family room. Stairs already there would just add entry from existing upstairs portion.

Again, all I'd subject to HOA etc. But assuming all ok.


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