“Yard of the Month” is recognition for maintaining a beautiful yard on a consistent basis.
Guidelines:
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The Landscape Committee will select one “Yard of the Month” winner per month.
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“Yard of the Month” will begin in March and end in September.
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In the month of December, the Landscape Committee will award the best decorated home as the “Yard of the Month.”
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The Landscape Committee Members are not eligible to win.
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No resident may receive the “Yard of the Month” more than once in any calendar year.
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“Yard of the Month” sign will be placed in the yard on the 1st day of the month and placed where it is most visible from the street. The winner will also be acknowledged on the website along with a picture. The “Yard of the Month” sign will be removed by the Landscape Committee on the 1st day of the following month.
Criteria:
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Weekly mowing and edging of the yard.
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Weed less flower beds, seasonal color, regular mulching of flowerbeds, all shrubs trimmed properly, insect control, and a lush green, healthy lawn.
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Yard must be free of debris and clutter (i.e. trash cans, recycle bins, etc.).
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Resident must be in good standing with Association dues.
YARD OF THE MONTH CRITERIA
The goal of the Yard of the Month award program (YOTM) is to recognize individuals whose property exemplifies the vision of our Dunwoody North Civic Association neighborhoods – beautiful and eclectic. The YOTM season begins April 1st and continues through September with 2 winners each month, one east of Tilly Mill and one west of Tilly Mill. The yard chosen each month will be awarded the sign to display in front of their home. The winning yard will have its picture taken to be displayed on the website and often in the newsletter.
Recipients must reside in areas serviced by DNCA . The upkeep of the yard can reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper or groundskeeper. An award duration term lasts a single calendar month and runs from the first day of the month to the last day of that same month. The same property cannot receive the award twice in one season or in consecutive seasons.
Members of the Beautification Committee tour the neighborhood each month and make selections based on the following criteria:
LAWN
Healthy grass with no bare spots or excessive weeds
Grass shall be mowed and edged
Grass around foundations and fences shall be trimmed
Debris shall be picked up and removed (garbage, newspapers, pet waste, etc.)
LANDSCAPE & FLOWER BEDS
Beds weeded and edged
Flowers deadheaded and dead plants removed
Trees and shrubs pruned
Natural areas clean
Beautification efforts including new flowers, new trees, new shrubs, etc.
Plantings in scale with the surroundings and limited to a few different types rather than too many which may confuse the eye
WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAYS
Clean and stain free with trash containers and yard products removed from view
Curb free from debris and dirt
AESTHETICS:
Overall look of landscape is pleasing (formal or informal, use of color and textures)
Inviting look of front entryway (hanging baskets, pots, cleanliness, etc.)
Originality/creativity (any special touches of the owner (yard art, bird feeders, etc.)
OTHER COMPONENTS:
Buildings, fences, porches, and patios on the property are required to be in good repair, i.e. minimal distraction from the landscape due to deterioration, damage or construction
Yard of the Month Award Program The Board of Directors of Highwoods Plantation HOA is pleased to announce the creation of the Yard of the Month award program to show their appreciation and to recognize those homeowners who demonstrate superior effort in maintaining their property, and who, as a result, positively contribute to the overall appearance of Highwoods Planation. The program will award it first winner on July 1st, 2011. The program will award monthly winners during the months of April through September for landscaping, and for holiday decorations in the months of October (Halloween) and December (Christmas). Each monthly winner will receive special recognition on the HOA’s website and in the HOA Newsletter, a $25 gift card to Lowes and the honor of displaying the official “Highwoods Plantation Yard of the Month” lawn-sign in their yard that identifies their property as the Yard of the Month winner. Program Guidelines v Judging for the award will be provided by an independent representative of the management company overseeing covenant enforcement using the criteria below. v Landscaping awards will be presented for the months of April through September. v Awards for best Halloween decorations will be presented in October and best Holiday decorations will be presented in December. v The award term lasts from the first day to the last day of a calendar month. v The same property cannot receive more than one award in the same rolling 12 month calendar period. v The property of all current residents of Highwoods Plantation, both owner-occupied and rental, are automatically eligible to participate in the program, including those homeowners involved in the governance of the HOA. v Yard of the Month winners must be members of good standing with the Association, current with their Association dues, and free of current HOA covenant violations. v The occupants of a Yard of the Month winning home will receive the gift card award. v The homeowners involved in the governance of the HOA agree to waive the gift card award if they are a Yard of the Month winner. v The upkeep of the yard can reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper. v During their reign as Yard of the Month, winners are expected to maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title. Judging Criteria Landscaping Awards (April through September): Yard of the Month candidates for landscaping are judged solely on the exterior appearance of their property as viewed from the street. Yards will be judged on neatness, landscaping, and color. Overall appearance and factors include, but are not limited to, tidiness and neatness of the front and side yards, pruned and trimmed trees and shrubs, edged and defined lawns, borders and flower beds, and a visually appealing façade. Lawn: Healthy grass with no bare spots or excessive weeds. Grass shall be mowed and edged, and grass around foundations and fences shall be trimmed. Landscape and Flower Beds: Beds weeded, mulched and edged. Trees and shrubs pruned. Efforts made to improve upon builder landscaping, including the inclusion of color and the installation of new flowers, trees, and shrubs. Walkways and Driveways: Walkways and driveways shall be clean. Walkways, driveways and curbs shall be edged and free of debris and dirt. Use of accent and safety lighting for an improved evening appearance. Aesthetics: The use of originality and creativity to create an inviting front entryway and a positive overall look to the landscaping and curb appeal. Formal or informal, use of color and textures, garden art, hanging baskets and pots. Decorative Awards (October and December): Yard of the Month candidates for decorative awards are judged solely on the exterior appearance of their property as viewed from the street. General maintenance and upkeep of the yard and home is included in the judging. Overall appearance, tastefulness, creativity, decorating in the “spirit of the holiday”, and a visually appealing façade are considered. October: The Yard of the Month award for October will be judged on the house with the best Halloween decorations. Spooks, goblins, black cats and pumpkins are all in order. Lights and animation are a plus. Judging will take place during the 3rd week of October. December: The Yard of the Month award for December will be judged on the house with the best Christmas decorations. Theme, creativity and originality in ornamental lighting and decorations will be considered, as will daylight and evening display. Judging will take place during the 2nd week of December.