A South Carolina homeowner faced a maintenance dispute with their homeowners association over a steep hillside on their property.
Here's what to know
According to the homeowner's Reddit post, the area in question is a slope measuring about 63 feet by 18 feet — or roughly 1,200 square feet — with an easement at the bottom that drains into what he described as a sinkhole. They said the builder told him during the sale that the hillside was too steep for turf and should mostly be left alone aside from occasional trimming.
The original poster added that the HOA violation came even though hired crews had maintained the hillside for four years using weed-whackers.
Because the slope is so steep and there's no grass turf growing, the homeowner wrote: "I literally cannot mow an ungraded slope filled with natural vegetation." Contractors had warned that their mowers "slide down to [the] bottom of [the] hill while mowing" and could tip on the incline, and they have refused to mow the area.
The OP asked: "What do I do? … They want me to make the slope presentable, perfect as per their standards … How pretty can you realistically make it without blowing a whole lot of money?"
What can be done?
"You should try to explain this in person at a board meeting, because it seems like they aren't understanding your concerns," one commenter suggested. "But for a potential solution, tell them that you can't find anyone who will do it. And if they find someone who will, you will happily pay them."
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The original poster responded to the commenter: "I had someone from board check the situation in person … He ran up and down the hill 2 or 3 times to feel the slope which was hilarious but finally he sent in a report in my favor. Now let's hope the management company waives the violation."
"Convert it to native landscaping … let it flourish and enjoy the pollinators. This solves multiple problems for you," another person recommended. When another commenter brought up native plants, the original poster responded: "I can try requesting for approval from hoa about it."
Stories like this stand out because HOAs across the country have also drawn backlash for blocking other practical home updates, including rooftop solar and native plant lawns. Homeowners navigating similar rule fights can start with this guide to working with HOAs.
Where can I learn more?
This is far from the only time an HOA has clashed with a homeowner over yard maintenance or landscaping choices.
• One homeowner said their HOA backtracked on approval for a lawn-saving retaining wall.
• A resident said their HOA made an unsolicited visit and altered a privacy bush.
• One HOA demanded a family fruit tree be removed after years without complaints.
• A homeowner said an HOA threatened them over a previously approved native yard.
• Another resident was left scrambling after an HOA rejected standard landscaping plans.
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