BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE GUIDELINES

BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

GUIDELINES/DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the members of the FHPHOA Beautification Committee are:

1. Decorate front entrance for Memorial Day, July 4^th, Beginning of Fall (October), and Christmas
2. Monitor the neighborhood for appearances that distract from the beautification
3. Encourage residents to keep property attractive and tidy
4. Maintain and keep manicured the front entrance to subdivision
5. Coordinate the “Yard of the Month” competition and awards
6. Report any problems concerning beautification to the Board of Directors
7. Meet at least quarterly in person or by phone to discuss beautification status and concerns
8. Submit to the Board of Directors at the end of the year an annual report of committee activities

The FHPHOA Yard of the Month has been established to promote goodwill and reward exemplary lawn and yard care in our community.  The purpose of the project is to recognize neighbors who demonstrate above average efforts in maintaining their property, thereby contributing to the overall appearance of the community at large.

The project is administered by the FHPHOA Beautification Committee.  The competition will run from June through October.  The lawn that typifies the qualities of:  uniqueness, beauty, appeal, including front and side yards jointly, as well as the exterior of the house and consistency with the guidelines.  The Committee will select one residential yard from a list of nominations.

The monthly winner will have a yard sign displayed for that month and the family’s picture will be taken for website display.

General Criteria

All FHP residential properties will be eligible for the competition

Judging will solely be on the total exterior appearance of property and front/side yard as viewed from the street.

Winners will be selected based on the recommended judging criteria listed below

Key criteria include manicured yard, beautification, originality and creativity,

The upkeep of the yard can reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper or groundkeeper

An award duration term lasts a single calendar month and runs from the first day to the last day of that same month

The Committee will make selections by the 28^th of the month for the next month

The same property cannot receive more than one award per year

Recipients receiving the recognition for the month shall surrender the yard sign at the end of the same month

While an individual home is being recognized for the “Yard of the Month”, the homeowner is expected to maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title

Judging Criteria

Nominees are judged solely on the total exterior appearance of their property and front/side yard as viewed from the street.  General upkeep of the yard and property is paramount.

Factors considered:  overall appearance, tidiness and neatness of the front of the property as evidenced by pruned, trimmed and shaped foliage, edged and defined lawns, borders and flower beds and a visually eye-catching curb appeal

Judges will use the following factors:

1. Healthy lawn, neatly mowed and edged
2. Pruned and trimmed shrubs and trees
3. Healthy living plants
4. Minimum weeds in flowerbeds
5. Yard free of debris and clutter
6. Design: Good use of color and texture, creative, unique curb appeal, pleasing appearance making the property an asset to the community
7. Lawn: Grass should be healthy with no bare spots or excessive weeds, mowed, edged and trimmed around foundations and fences.
8. Debris: Garbage, pet feces, etc. shall be picked up and removed.
9. Prefer a unified, simple and balanced landscape design with a neat and natural appearance
10. Landscape and flower beds: Beds should be weeded and edged, flowers must be deadheaded and dead plants removed, plantings should be limited to a few types of plants rather than too many that confuse the eye
11. Walkway and driveways: Walkways and driveways should be clean (free of containers or yard products). Area in front of curb should be free of debris and dirt. 
12. Aesthetics: The overall appearance of landscaping is important. The front should be inviting, with original and creative touches to show personality (hanging baskets, pots, yard art, bird feeders, etc)  

Yard Criteria Christmas

Christmas Yard of the Month nominees will be judged solely on the total exterior appearance of their property and front yard as viewed from the street.  There will be

one overall winner and two honorable mentions.

Judges will use the following factors when selecting Christmas Yard of the Month nominees:

1. Design: Use of color and texture, creative, unique curb appeal and pleasing appearance making the property an asset to the community
2. Holiday Spirit: Use of materials (lights, sounds, inflatables, figures, etc.).  Creative use of holiday imagery and symbols.  Unique, inventive and thoughtful layout