Natural Landscaping and weeds

Post date: Aug 19, 2016 12:47:48 AM

It’s that time of year again, when the rains coupled by cooler temperatures create an environment that weeds thrive in. The Rancho Lomas Owner's Association (RLOA) board of directors would like to take this opportunity to remind home owners that it is their responsibility to maintain the landscaping of their individual properties, as defined in Section 3.03, subsection d of the RLOA covenants. While the HOA covenants reference “natural landscaping”, which the board defines as the use of native plants, trees, shrubs, ground cover and grasses which are indigenous to the geographic area, members need to be aware that this refers to the type of landscaping and is separate from maintenance, to include weed management.

If you are interested in more information on Natural Landscaping, the article as provided by Wikipedia, sums it up nicely https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_landscaping.

Weed management is not only required per RLOA covenants it is also a City Ordinance

In addition to the RLOA covenants, weed management is also a Las Cruces Codes enforced Ordinance. Chapter 32, Article IV, Section 32-273 (click here to view the Code of Ordinance), is one of many ordinances referring to weeds and weed management. This section states “The owner of the landscaped property shall be responsible for maintaining it in a healthy, clean, trimmed, weed-free and litter-free condition”.

The city has also set up a Weed Control Hotline. The following is taken from the Las Cruces Web site located at http://www.las-cruces.org/departments/administration/ccsc/citizen-contact-center

Weed Control Hotline – Streets and sidewalks are for everyone’s use. Many property owners may be unaware that they are responsible for maintaining part of the public-right-of-way next to their property – including the sidewalk and planting strip, the shoulder, alleys, walkways and roadways. To report a potential code violation either call 528-4100 or use the weed complaint form through Ask the City. Please give the exact address of the property where you believe a code violation exists. Failure to give an accurate address may either delay the case or cause the case to be closed for failure to locate a violation.

The RLOA maintains common areas

While individual property owners are responsible for maintaining their property and possibly public-right-of-way areas next to their property, the HOA maintains common areas owned by the association through contracts with local landscaping companies.

If you see landscape issues in a common area, including weeds, please contact our property management company, HOAMCO, via the on-line contact form or calling their office directly at 575-523-1337.