Ongoing Projects

Grass Colorant Experiment

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February 4, 2023
Purpose
Grass colorant aims to achieve the image of aesthetically green grass during the winter months (December, January, & February) without the costly overseeding of rye grass and with reduced water consumption. The front lawns of two units (one duplex building) covering approximately 2,500 sq. ft., were sprayed on February 4, 2023. Neither the sides or back lawns were painted. If the colorant is continued for the winter of 2024/2025, the recommendation is to use a professional spray machine costing about $1,000. Colorant needs to be reapplied annually.
Pros
1. Manufacturer states one application lasts 3 months, which appears accurate. A December application should last through February.
2. The product is non-toxic to animals and children.
3. The product can be mowed with no ill effects.
4. Rain and sprinkler cycles do not markedly wash the product away.
5. The product requires No Watering.
6. The painted color closely resembles the mottled green of natural grass.
CONS
1. The sprayer and materials needs to be stored in someone’s garage.
2. The color noticeably lightens over time.
Summary
The first 3 options below provide green-appearing grass during December – February. The 4th option offers savings but no green grass. An Association decision is required for the 2024 budget (at the December, 2023 meeting).
1. Over-seed with Rye grass. Water as required front and alley to garage.
$1302 – Seed and application; $93 per bag; 14 bags
$3433 – Water costs
$4735 – Total cost
2. Colorant spray includes front and alley up to garage.
$2450 – Materials & Labor
$ 750 – Water costs: $250 X 3 months
$3200 – Total cost
3. Over-seed with Rye grass & water as required front, sides and rear of each home.
$2604 – Seed and application $93 per bag 28 bags
$5912 – Water costs
$8516 – Total cost
4. Let grass go dormant during winter months front side alley and rear
$ 750 – Water costs 1 cycle ever 2 weeks
$ 750 – Total cost

Goals and Expectations for Citrus Project

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3-10-2023
1. Identify all citrus trees – Key lime, Lemon, Grapefruit, Tangelo, Sweet oranges, and Sour oranges.
2. Location of tree
3. Health of trees
4. Water Consumption
5. Annual maintenance costs
6. Cost to remove non edible citrus trees
7. Cost to replace and who pays
8. Type of tree for replacement
9. Effects to homeowners, environment, water conservation, and budget

The Landscape committee held 6 meetings to discuss the feasibility of removing all non edible citrus trees.
1. 30 citrus trees were identified, including Key Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit, Tangelo, Sweet orange, and
Sour orange. 13 of the 30 trees were non edible citrus trees.
2. All 30 citrus trees were mapped.
3. The health of all 30 trees were rated as Poor, Average, or in Good condition.
4. Water consumption was not an issue, the sprinkler system and its water cycles are based on water
needs for the grass areas, not for the trees.
5. Annual maintenance costs for these 30 trees to Glean the fruit and trim was approximately $3000
to $3500 per year.
6. Cost to remove 13 non edible citrus trees ranged from $3,300.00 to $25,425.00
7. Cost to replace
25 inch base diameter $115 $250 installation = $365
35 inch base diameter $165 $250 installation = $415
45 inch base diameter $250 installation ?
60 inch base diameter $325 installation ?
8. The type of tree for replacement was determined by the committee to only allow drought
resistant, low maintenance, non aggressive root system trees.
9. Effects to homeowners, environment, water conservation and budget. The committee quickly
realized that removing all non edible citrus trees was not feasible. We concluded that replacing
all citrus trees that die was the responsible action. Currently there is no protocol for replacing
dead trees that will guarantee the footprint and aesthetics for the future of our neighborhood.
Committees recommendations for dead trees:
• Association pays for removing tree.
• Owner selects a trees that meets Associations requirements
• Owner pays for tree and installation
• Association will reimburse owner $500 per tree
• If owner chooses not to replace the tree the Association will pay for and decide the type, size
and location for a new tree.
It is the Board of Director's responsibility to manage the property by keeping the footprint of our landscape as good or better then when an owner purchased their Condo. This COA is located in a neighborhood that distinguishes itself by the abundance of trees within a 10 block area.