Landscaping is a required feature of all homes located in OakLeaf. Detailed specification can be found in the Architectural Control Guidelines. These specifications will vary based on the size and layout of the home, as well as the lot type. Minor changes can be made without approval but no required landscaping should be removed without the written approval of the Association. It is important that you ask the Association if the changes that you are considering making to your property require approval from the Association. It is fast and easy to ask questions using the Contact Us link.
The only two approved turf types for OakLeaf East are as follows:
St. Augustine – Floratam Cultivar
Empire Turf – Zoysia
It is very important that you not seed, or overseed your yard, or use turf repair products which contain grass seeds. A majority of these products contain grass types which are not permitted in OakLeaf. Some of these unapproved grass types include Bermuda, Bahaia, Rye, and Centipede grasses. These grass types are often competitive, invasive and usually end up doing more harm than good to your lawn. St Augustine is a fairly “lazy” grass and doesn’t like to compete for resources with either weeds or other grass types.
Lawns must be fully sodded and maintained in a neat and attractive appearance. OakLeaf East’s landscaping requirements include regular mowing, weed control of turf, tree trimming, hedge trimming, weeding of beds, edging along sidewalks and driveways, debris blow-off, and regular watering. All properties in OakLeaf shall be fully irrigated using a zoned, timer-based controller. Clay County Utility Water Use records are available to the Association and are periodically reviewed. Proper watering, fertilization, pest and pathogen control are all necessary parts of a healthy OakLeaf East landscape.
Required Oak trees shall not be “topped” or severely pruned so as to appear stunted. All trees shall be pruned as needed to maintain health and form in such a way that retains or improves the natural form of the particular species; provided, topiary may be practiced upon suitable species if professionally and consistently maintained. The branches of a tree extending over any public sidewalk shall be trimmed to at least the height of twelve feet (12.0 ft) above the sidewalk. The branches of a tree extending over the travel portion of any public street used for vehicular traffic shall be trimmed to the height of at least fourteen and one half feet (14.5 ft) above the street. All tree pruning shall be conducted according to the standards of the National Arborist Association Standards.