In the Arbor Farms bylaws the owners are responsible for all landscaping improvements, including, but not limited to, trees, plantings, shrubs and lawns. All of these were to be installed by the original owner by a date specified in the bylaws. Now it is the responsibility of all owners to keep all landscaping well maintained, per Article VI, Section 27.
Weeds and Lawn Maintenance
- Lawns should be well maintained and mowed at least within township ordnances.
- Landscaping, including lawns and beds need to be kept reasonably free of weeds.
Trees
- Trees planted on each lot, including the right-of-way, are the responsibility of the individual owners.
- The warranty associated with all developer planted trees has passed.
- Unlss directed by an Arborist all tree stakes should be removed from developer planted trees (Spring 2025)
- The HOA Board will maintain the trees on the common areas, using HOA Funds.
- All trees in the right-of-way (by the street) must be replaced with a similar tree keeping in mind Pittsfield Townships Prohibited Tree List
Privacy Shrubs
The use of shrubary, such as cedar or arborvitae to create a privacy “fence” is outlined in Article VI, Section 24 and requires approval from the Archetectural Review Commitee using the same procedures for metal fencing.
Grade
Owners may not change the grade or topography of their lot without the written consent of the Architectural Review Committee AND Pittsfield Township. This will likely incur the ARC charge outlined in the bylaws since changes will need to be examined by an expert to prevent negative impact to adjacent units. (Section 17)
Exterior Lighting
While owners do not need approval to install landscape lighting or modify external lighting, owners should not install lighting as to disturb the occupants of neighboring (including across the street) Unites or impair the vision of traffic on any street (Section 20)
Source: Arbor Farms Bylaws Article VI, Section 27 & 28 Township Ordinance 38-7
