Week 2: Yard Maintenance
Updated: 4 days ago
Deed Restriction Reminders & City Ordinances
Mow & Edge All lots must be maintained in an orderly manner, including regularly mowing grass, edging sidewalks and driveways, and maintaining landscaping. (TDR 5.5, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14)
No Grass or Leaves Left in the Street Depositing grass clippings or leaves into streets or gutters is prohibited by Baton Rouge ordinance. Please keep sidewalks and streets clear of debris. If you hire a lawn service, ensure they clean up properly after each visit.
Edible Gardens & Compost Edible gardens and composting are permitted for personal household use only. Compost must be screened from street view and maintained to prevent odors and pests. (TDR 5.6)
Chickens Up to three chickens are permitted; roosters are not allowed. All coops must meet Accessory Building Guidelines and receive Architectural Control Committee approval prior to construction. (TDR 5.19, 4.10)
Landscaping Improvements Any landscaping changes involving permanent structures or hardscaping require prior approval from the Architectural Control Committee. (TDR 5.20)
Pruning & General Landscape Maintenance Shrubs, trees, and landscaping must be kept trimmed and maintained. Overgrown or neglected landscaping should be cut back or removed as needed. (TDR 5.13)
Keep Sidewalks Clear Landscaping must not obstruct sidewalks. Maintain adequate clearance for safe pedestrian use. (TDR 5.13)
Remove Tree Stumps Tree stumps should be removed to prevent drainage issues, uneven ground, and deterioration of curb appeal. (TDR 5.13)
Yard Signs Commercial signage is not permitted, with limited exceptions (e.g., security signs). Temporary signs must be removed promptly after use and must comply with size and placement requirements. (TDR 5.3)
Helpful Tips
Lawn Care Basics Healthy grass starts with proper mowing and consistent care.
Make sure to cut your grass at the appropriate height for each type to maintain lawn health:
St. Augustine: 3"–4"
Centipede: 1"–2"
Zoysia: 1"–2"
Bermuda: 1"–2"
St. Augustine lawns should not be “scalped”. Cutting significantly below the recommended height does not reduce mowing frequency; it stresses the lawn, slows recovery, and increases weed presence. Follow the “one‑third rule” (never remove more than one‑third of the grass blade at once). A taller cut also retains moisture, develops deeper roots, and shades the soil and stolons, helping the lawn resist heat stress, thinning, weeds, and disease.
Thatch can develop over time, especially in zoysia grass, and may need to be reduced through vertical mowing. Compaction can form more quickly on finer-textured soils and in areas where there is high traffic. Dethatching or aeration need to be performed in late spring to summer when the turfgrass is actively growing.
Fertilization and pest control needs vary—consult the LSU AgCenter or consider professional guidance.
A lush, well-maintained lawn also enhances your property’s curb appeal by creating a fuller, more vibrant appearance.
Click here for Jeff Swarner’s General Lawn Guide and yard transformation.
Weed Management: To Spray or Not to Spray Whether you prefer to treat weeds chemically or manually, consistency is key. Different weeds require different approaches, so early identification makes a big difference. Some weeds to pay attention to:
Dallisgrass: This fast-growing weed spreads aggressively by seed and thick clumps. It’s best controlled early—either dig it up (roots and all) or use a strong, targeted herbicide. Once established, it becomes much harder to remove.
Bur Clover: Often mistaken for regular clover, this weed produces small yellow flowers and later forms spiky seed pods that can be painful underfoot. It’s easiest to pull when the soil is damp. For larger infestations, apply a post-emergent herbicide between December and early March—before it flowers and sets seed.
Nut Sedge: One of the most persistent weeds, nut sedge spreads through underground tubers (“nuts”). Pulling it often makes it worse if not done properly. Use a sedge-specific treatment and address it early before it spreads.
Consider:
Prodiamine for the fall as it will prevent everything previously listed except Dandelion (a perennial).
Dimension for spring as it has a long application window and can be effective even against crabgrass that has already emerged.
Click here for Jeff Swarner’s Weed Cheat Sheet
Professional Lawn & Flower Bed Services For a low-effort approach, professional lawn care services typically include fertilization, chemical aeration, and herbicide applications every other month—generally for less than $500 per year.
A similar plan is often available for flower beds to manage weeds and maintain healthy soil.
Drainage & Yard Health Proper drainage protects both your lawn and your home.
If you notice standing water, soggy areas, or erosion, it may be time to consider a drainage solution.
Drainage systems should carry water all the way to the street to prevent pooling or sinkholes near outlets.
Downspouts should direct water away from your foundation and into appropriate drainage paths.
Low spots in the yard can collect water—filling or regrading these areas can improve overall drainage.
Addressing drainage early helps prevent long-term damage to your lawn and foundation.
Sidewalk Care Well-maintained sidewalks improve safety and curb appeal and are the responsibility of each property owner.
Keep sidewalks clear of grass overgrowth, soil buildup, and debris.
Maintain lawn edges at or slightly below sidewalk level and keep turf and landscaping from creeping over edges to allow proper water runoff.
If your lawn sits significantly higher, consider lowering the edge or adding small drainage paths to prevent trapped water.
Standing water can create slippery conditions and should be addressed promptly.
Check for areas where water collects and correct the cause early.
Mulch Matters Mulch does more than just improve appearance—it supports plant health.
Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Reduces temperature fluctuations in the soil
Use natural-looking mulch for a cleaner, more cohesive appearance
Keep mulch pulled back from your home’s foundation to prevent moisture issues and pests like termites
Mosquito Control Mosquitoes thrive in warm, damp environments—especially in dense landscaping.
Check regularly for standing water (even small amounts) and eliminate it
Treat shrubs and shaded areas where mosquitoes tend to rest
Prune dense plants to improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup
Consider professional pest control or DIY options such as hose-end sprays or mosquito dunks
You can also contact 311 to request parish mosquito abatement services
Moisture-Rich Areas If parts of your yard stay consistently damp, work with the conditions instead of against them.
Choose water-tolerant plants like irises, lilies, elephant ears, and swamp hibiscus
These plants can help absorb excess moisture while adding beauty to the space
Pruning for Health & Appearance Regular pruning improves both the look and health of your plants.
A good rule of thumb is to keep shrubs no taller than about half the height of your home’s front façade to maintain curb appeal. Taller shrubs can be used thoughtfully on the sides or along property lines.
Prune at least once a year. More frequent trimming may be needed for fast-growing plants. Remove crossing or crowded branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.
Trim lower tree limbs. This keeps areas open, safe, and visible.
Avoid over-pruning. Practices like “crepe murder” can weaken trees and reduce blooms.
LSU Ag Center’s Guide to pruning:
Embrace the Shade Shady areas can be difficult for turf grass, but they’re perfect for other plants.
Instead of struggling to maintain grass, consider shade-friendly ground covers like mondo grass, liriope, or Asiatic jasmine.
Add visual interest with plants like caladiums, hostas, hydrangeas, and ferns.
These options are often lower maintenance and better suited for our climate.
Give Your Garden Space Thoughtful spacing improves both plant health and overall curb appeal.
Start flower beds slightly away from the house (about 1–2 feet or beyond the roof drip line).
Allow shrubs 3–4 feet of space to grow properly and allow airflow.
Avoid letting plants touch your home, which can trap moisture and invite pests.
Adding a border of rocks near the foundation can improve drainage and help keep mulch away from the house.
Front Door & Walkway Design A well-balanced front yard creates a welcoming first impression and contributes positively to our neighborhood’s curb appeal (and property values).
Place larger shrubs and trees toward the corners of your home.
Use smaller plants near the entryway to keep it open and inviting.
Keep walkways clear by allowing space for plants to mature without crowding.
Leave room for seasonal flowers along walkways to add color and warmth.
Stay Proactive Small issues can turn into larger (and more expensive) problems if ignored.
If you notice problems in the public right-of-way—such as sinkholes, drainage issues, or other street concerns—please report them through the Red Stick 311 system (phone or app)
If issues occur on your property—especially near sidewalks—contact a professional promptly
Staying ahead of maintenance helps protect both your home and the neighborhood overall
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