Landscaping Guidelines and Curb Appeal Tips for HOAs in North Carolina

Creating and maintaining attractive, well-kept landscaping is one of the most visible responsibilities of any homeowners association (HOA). North Carolina has a wide range of climates due to its diverse environments. As a result, landscaping needs in the Blue Ridge Mountains may not be the same as the needs in the Coastal Plain. 

Slatter Management Services developed clear landscaping standards that are not only essential for curb appeal but also for long-term property value and resident satisfaction in any locale. In this guide, we’ll cover best practices for HOA landscaping policies, design tips for maximizing curb appeal, and maintenance strategies tailored to North Carolina’s unique environment.

Why Landscaping Matters for HOAs

Well-maintained landscaping does more than look nice. It plays a key role in:

• Preserving property values across the community
• Establishing a cohesive neighborhood aesthetic
• Improving safety by maintaining clear sightlines and pathways
• Reducing maintenance costs over time with smart planning
• Supporting native ecosystems and managing stormwater runoff
  • To achieve this, HOA boards must strike a balance between allowing homeowner expression and enforcing consistent standards.

We understand the importance of good landscaping, and we do not take any shortcuts in the properties we manage. 

Key Considerations When Creating HOA Landscaping Guidelines

Before issuing or updating your community’s landscaping rules, take these North Carolina–specific factors into account:

Regional Climate Zones

North Carolina spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 8b. That means a plant that thrives in Wilmington may not survive a Boone winter. Landscaping guidelines should:

• Offer region-specific plant lists for mountain, Piedmont, and coastal zones
• Consider microclimates within the community (sun exposure, slope, drainage)

HOA Governing Documents

Always align new landscaping rules with your HOA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Common areas to clarify include:

• Approved plant types and trees
• Rules on artificial turf or xeriscaping
• Height limits for hedges and fences
• Setback requirements for flower beds or hardscaping

Stormwater and Erosion Control

Due to frequent rains, especially in the Piedmont and coastal plains, HOAs should:

• Encourage or require rain gardens or swales in problem areas
• Use groundcovers and native grasses to reduce erosion on slopes
• Prohibit improper drainage redirection between lots

When we manage any property, we take the time to understand the unique landscaping needs of the area before developing a plan for the property.

North Carolina-Friendly Plants for HOAs

Opting for native or well-adapted species helps ensure plant health, reduces irrigation needs, and supports local wildlife. Here are HOA-approved suggestions:

• Trees
  • Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
  • Dogwood (Cornus florida)
  • Eastern Redbud
  • Willow Oak
• Shrubs
  • Boxwood
  • Azalea
  • Wax Myrtle
  • Indian Hawthorn
• Groundcovers & Perennials
  • Liriope
  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Coral Bells
  • Creeping Juniper

We help you decide what plant life is best for your property, based on its unique factors, such as shade and sunlight balance, soil nutrition levels, and local wildlife. 

Curb Appeal Tips for Homeowners in HOA Communities

Providing homeowners with clear curb appeal expectations encourages consistency and prevents conflicts. Here are tips to include in HOA newsletters or welcome packets:

1. Keep It Neat

• Mow lawns weekly during the growing season
• Edge walkways and beds regularly
• Prune overgrown shrubs, especially near windows and doors

2. Color with Purpose

• Use seasonal annuals to brighten entryways
• Choose a color palette that complements the home’s exterior

3. Mulch for Impact

• Refresh mulch 1–2 times per year
• Use pine straw or hardwood mulch for a tidy look

4. Mind the Driveway

• Prohibit the storage of tools, bags of mulch, or excessive potted plants
• Ensure trash bins are stored out of view after collection day

5. Lighting & Accents

• Encourage low-voltage pathway lighting
• Limit decorative garden elements to a reasonable number

By regularly maintaining a property, you create a welcoming environment for new and current guests. 

Common Area Landscaping Tips for HOA Boards

Well-kept entrances and shared spaces set the tone for the entire neighborhood.

• Entryways: Use layered plantings with evergreen anchors and seasonal color
• Retention ponds: Edge with native grasses or flowering perennials
• Walking trails and parks: Use durable, low-maintenance plants
• Signage beds: Refresh annually and use drought-tolerant species

Proper maintenance and signage not only keep properties looking nice, but they also protect guests from injury.

Enforcing Landscaping Standards the Right Way

HOAs should focus on education first, enforcement second.

• Provide visual examples of compliant landscaping
• Send friendly reminders before formal notices
• Offer grace periods after storms or droughts
• Hold “yard of the month” competitions to encourage participation

In North Carolina, HOA landscaping is more than just an aesthetic issue,  it’s a community investment. By setting clear, regionally appropriate standards and offering helpful guidance, HOA boards can foster beautiful neighborhoods where every home looks cared for and every resident feels proud to live.

Want More Tips? Contact Us Today

Managing a property that also needs to be HOA compliant can be a challenge. Instead of taking on the difficulties of property management on your own, we can handle things for you. 
If you are looking for more insights about property management, contact our experts at Slatter Management Services today. Call 336-272-0641 or reach out online to set up your initial consultation with us.