ACC DESIGN GUIDELINE FOR LANDSCAPING

Revised May 2009

These guidelines are established to ensure that the installation of landscaping is in compliance with the Covenants, blends with its surroundings, and uses plant and tree types that are courteous to the neighborhood by considering potential view obstruction, water conservation, pollen emission, etc. Landscaping should be aesthetically pleasing and maintain the existing character of the site and increase the habitat available for wildlife. These guidelines codify limitations on the location, height, and size of landscaped areas and plant selection in order to minimally impact open spaces and natural vegetation.

Note: Guidelines for freestanding walls and fences are provided by the ACC Guidelines for Walls and Fences.

1. General

a. Sandia Heights is based on an open space concept where the natural vegetation is of great importance. The deed restrictions for the area require that the natural vegetation be left undisturbed where possible and replenished after construction is finished.

b. Landscaping of new home construction must be completed by the end of the next complete growing season following substantial completion of construction. Plans for landscaping of new or existing homes must be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the ACC prior to the start of landscaping.

c. Care should be taken to protect all native existing plants and to maintain the natural character of the landscape.

d. Landscaping shall minimize visual encroachment on open space and the streetscape. Low height of plants and trees that blend with their surroundings tend to achieve these goals.

e. Residents are asked to keep their properties clear of dead trees/vegetation. Chamisa and other vegetation can be a safety hazard when it blocks views along roads or creates a fire hazard.

2. Sizing

a. Landscaped areas should be immediately adjacent to the residence, detached buildings, walkways, or driveways on the property. The total area landscaped (excluding natural landscaping) on the property shall occupy a minimal portion of the post-construction-open-area of the lot. As a maximum, it shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the combined total ground floor heated living areas of the residence. Swimming pools and garages, whether heated or not, will not be included in the calculation of heated living areas. Landscaped areas that extend from the house or other buildings at all points less than one half the average of the overall length and width of the house or building are considered to be adjacent to those structures. Similar proportions relative to the size of walkways and driveways shall define their adjacent areas.

b. Trees shall be planted only in areas adjacent to the house or building. Trees will not be approved in any setback areas, whether adjacent to the house or building or not. Landscaping elements (such as boulders, planters, flowers, and shrubs) that do not interfere with the visual continuity of the land and vegetation are allowed in setback areas if they are placed immediately adjacent to buildings, walkways or driveways.

c. Lawn areas must be less than 500 square feet.

3. Features

a. The use of gravel, rock, crushed or decomposed granite, or similar materials for landscaping purposes should be kept to a minimum and located adjacent to the house, so as to preserve the natural look of the area. Use of river rock or similar materials to control erosion is permitted in all areas where it is required.

b. Water features shall not exceed six feet (6) in height. They should be located in areas that are generally only visible by the homeowner. Location and size should also take into account the noise factor. The sound of a waterfall may be pleasing to some, but annoying to others.

4. View Considerations

a. It is recognized that trees and bushes that are planted on ground that is higher in elevation than that of neighboring properties are potentially more intrusive. Trees and bushes that are unnecessarily intrusive or obstructive of the views of neighbors are strongly discouraged and subject to disapproval. In general, trees that will stand higher than the roofline or 25 feet at maturity, whichever is greater, will not be approved.

b. Trees and shrubs shall not be grouped to form a view-obstructing screen; however, such screening is appropriate to obscure items like air conditioners, pool filters, and other such mechanical devices. Three or more trees are considered to constitute a screen if planted close enough together so that at maturity their branches visually touch or intertwine.

5. Plant Selection

a. Plant selection and landscaping native to the area are preferred. Appendix A Water Wise Plant Guide provides information that may be helpful in selecting plants.

b. Plants that are not native to Sandia Heights should be selected to minimize water use, increase the habitat available for wildlife, and produce less pollen than an unplanned landscape with a similar quantity of plant material.

c. Bermuda grass is not allowed because of its invasive characteristics.

d. The following tree species are approved for use but must be approved in writing by the ACC, as part of a landscaping application, before they are planted.

Water Wise Plant Guide

Patience is necessary to establish a landscape anywhere; but special approaches are demanded by the unique conditions in Sandia Heights. Extreme temperatures and low humidity limit the plants that can be grown successfully in our community without considerable water and maintenance. The SHHA has prepared this basic list of plants to aid both newly transplanted and firmly established residents in developing home landscaping compatible with our high desert grassland environment.

Many beautiful plants, both New Mexico natives and exotics, are well adapted to our environment. Native plants already present in the natural landscape – cholla, apache plume, rabbit bush (chamisa), junipers, sumac, mountain mahogany and scrub liveoaks-provide the cornerstones of our landscaping. The most successful landscapes use plants compatible with the natives. While many desert plants are slow in starting, they are rewarding in the long run. Little attention is required after they are established and they remain remarkably free of insect pests.

Water

Few high-water-use-plants are included on our list. Water is a precious commodity in the Southwest and will become even more so over time. A high-water-use garden is unnecessary when many beautiful plants are adapted to, or thrive on, low water levels. Most desert plants need to be watered consistently until they are established. However, once they are well rooted, supplemental watering can be reduced to periodic deep irrigation, with emphasis on supplemental irrigation during times of drought. Grouping plants with similar requirements for water is important. Place high-water-need plants close to the house or next to your patio where they can be carefully tended and admired.

Lawns

A number of alternatives to traditional lawns offer ease of maintenance and low water use, including grama grass, buffalo grass, or the somewhat drought resistant fescues. Some residents have developed good grassy areas by eliminating woods and encouraging the existing grama grass on their property. Others have added flowers to make a blooming meadow. If you have a bluegrass lawn, consider setting you mower at least 3” high; longer grass needs less water and fertilizer than closely cropped grass. Sandia Heights’ Declarations of Restrictions prohibit planting of Bermuda grass.

Trees

Native trees in our area hug the arroyos for water and wind protection. Tall trees are risky because of our frequent high winds. Heat and drought stress may affect many trees, including ponderosa pines, which are native to higher, cooler elevations. New Mexico State University lists the following trees to avoid planting: Siberian elm, boxelder, willow (salix) tree of heaven, silver maple, lombardy poplar and other cottonwoods and poplars. Colorado spruces are sold but are shallow rooted and require large amounts of additional water to survive. (Note: When planting tall trees, courtesy and neighborliness indicate that you should consider your neighbor’s view as well as your own.)

N=New Mexico Native: Water Requirements: L=Low, M=Medium, H=High; R=Plants that Seem rabbit resistant. Protect new, young plants.

Trees with Special Problems

Russian Olive. Grey, handsome, thorny; also invasive and messy.

Ponderosa Pine. Beloved: needs additional water; subject to heat and drought stress at our elevations, as well as pine tip moth and bark beetle. The non-native Austrian pine is the most similar pine that is relatively well adapted.

Colorado Spruce. Subject to heat stress, needs much additional water, slow growing; large, mature specimens tend to blow over in windstorms.

Tamarisk (Salt Cedar). Graceful, drought resistant, highly invasive, reseeds with wild abandon, chokes out many of our waterways.

Deciduous Trees

Ash [Fraxinus] To 40’ (M-H). Especially the cultivars: “Modesto”, “Rio Grande” and “Raywood”.

Chinese Pistache [Pistachia chinensis] To 40’ (M). Shade tree, easy, deeply rooted, brilliant red-orange fall color.

Chokecherry [Prunus virginiana melanocarpa] To 25’ (N/H). Lovely, white flower clusters, edible black fruit.

Desert Willow [Chilopsis linears] From 10-25’ (N/L). Graceful, showy pink flowers in summer.

False Indigo [Amorpha Fruticosa] From 4-8’ (N/M). Spikes of tiny purple flowers in summer, deep taproot.

Gambel Oak [Ouercus gambelfi] Commonly 10-20’ (N/M). Slow growth, good fall color.

Golden Raintree [Koelreuteria paniculata] From 20-35’ (M). Tough, flower clusters in summer, drooping brown pods.

Hoptree [Ptelea trifoliate] Slow to 25’ (N/M) Appears elm-like, bothered by galls.

Jujube [Zizyphus jujube] To 25’ (M) Thorny, columnar, zig-zagging branches, gold in fall, edible fruit.

New Mexico Olive/Privet [Forestiera neomexicana] To 20’ (N/M) Train as a tree or shrub, brilliant yellow in fall.

Redbud [Cercis canandensis] From 10-18’ (M) Magenta pea-like flowers in early spring, round leaves, may be subject to wind burn; “Oklahoma” may be the toughest.

Rose Locust [Robinia neocexicana] To 20’ (N/M) Pretty pink flowers in spring, thorny, spreading, suckers; good as barriers and soil holders.

Smoketree [Cotinus coggygria (Rhus cotinus)] To 15’ (M) Shrubby, purple flowers, which fade into smoky seed plumes. Some cultivars have purple leaves.

Soapberry [Sapindus drummonkii] Slow t0 30’ (M) Snowy white flower clusters, toxic yellow fruits.

Evergreen Trees

Arizona Cypress [Cupressus arizonica (C. glabra)] To 40’ (M) Spreading to 20’ wide at ground level, drought resistant, dense screen.

Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany [Cercocarpus ledifolius] Slow to 20-30’ (N/M) Twisted branches, good specimen tree.

Junipers [Juniperus Species] Slow to 20-30’ (N/M) “One-Seed” and “Rocky Mountain” both live in our area.

Pinon [Pinus edulis] Slow to 20’ (N/M) Handsome local pine, subject to pine beetle and pine tip moth; be sure vendor has provided a good root ball.

Shrubs

Apache Plume [Fallugia paradoxa] To 5’ (N/L/R) Arroyo lover; white rose flowers followed by pink seed plumes.

Barberries [Berberis species] (M/R) Thorny, handsome, small yellow flowers, holly-like leaves; some types semi-evergreen.

· [B. thunbergii atropurpurea] From 4-6’ Hardy, red foliage. “Crimson Pigmy” and “Kolbold” are 1 ½’ miniatures.

· [B. haematocarpa] To 5’ tall and wide (N). “Algeria” may require less water, evergreen with spiny leaves, yellow spring flowers, red fruits in summer.

Bird of Paradise Bush [Caesalpinia gilliesii] To 6’ (L) Deciduous, tough, finely cut foliage, delicate yellow flowers with bright red stamens; may freeze back in cold winters.

Blue Mist “Spirea” [Caryopteris clandonensis] To 2’ (M/R) Cool blue flowers from August to frost; cold hardy to Santa Fe and Denver; trim back to 12” each spring.

Cliff Fendlerbush [Cowania mexicana] To 20’ (N/L-M) Deciduous, arching, fragrant white flowers in spring

Cliffrose [Cowania mexicana] To 20’ (N/L-M) One of our loveliest natives; fragrant, creamy yellow rose-like flowers, evergreen; needs to be on the dry side once established.

Cotoneaster [Cotoneaster species] (M) Red berries. Some suggested varieties:

· [C. horizontalis] “Rockspray” To 3’ tall by 6’ wide.

· [C. dammeri] “Eichholz” and “Coral Beauty”. Low spreading, mostly evergreen ground cover.

· [C. lacteus] To 8’ tall and wide, evergreen.

Creeping Mahonia [Mahonia repens] 1’ ground cover (N/M/R) Hollylike leaves, yellow flowers, likes shade.

Cutleaf Sumac [Rhus cismontane] To 6’ (M/R) Thicket forming, arching, brilliant red fell color.

Fernbush [Chamaebatieria millefolium] To 5’ (N/M/R) Semi-evergreen, finely cut leaves, small white flowers.

Fourwing Saltbush [Atriplex canescens] To 6’ (N/L/R) Variable in form, scott grey foliage, pods in winter.

Golden Currant [Rites aureum] To 6’ (N/M-H) Fragrant yellow spring flowers, edible fruits, red fall color.

Junipers [Cupressus species] (M/R) Most commonly-used evergreen, from ground covers to trees; many are fairly drought tolerant and trouble free.

Lilac [Syringe vulgaris] (M-H/R) Grandmother’s favorite hardy spring flower, still popular; subject to mildew in enclosed spaces.

Littleaf Sumac [Rhus microphylla] (N/M/R) Similar to three leaf sumac but dark green in color.

Mountain Mahogany [Cercocarpus montanus] From 4-12 (N/M) Sandia Mountain native; deciduous or evergreen shrub; can be pruned to small tree.

Red Yucca [Hesperaloe parviflora] From 3-5’ (M/R) Large, spreading, red stems topped by red flowers; aphids bother.

Redtwig Dogwood [Corpus stolonifera] To 10’ (N/M) Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub; shade and cold tolerant; white flowers in spring, good fall color, bright red winter twigs.

Rock Spirea [Holodiscus dumosus] To 10’ (N/M) Nodding clusters of small creamy flowers in summer.

Sages [Artemisia species] Aromatic, tough, drought resistant; useful for erosion control.

· Bigleaf Sage [Artemisia tridentate] From 3-4’ (N/L/R) Multi-branched, gray foliage, picturesque, evergreen.

· Prairie Sage [Artemisia ludoviciana] To 3’ (N/L/R) Spreading, silver ground cover, upright flowers.

· Threadleaf Sage [Artemisia filifolia] To 4’ (N/L/R) Graceful, silver gray, arching, sand lover.

Sand Cherry [Prunus Besseyi] From 3-8’ (N/M) Shiny leaves, showy blossoms in spring, purple edible fruits, brilliant fall color.

Santolina [Santolina chamaecyparissus] From 1-2’ (M/R) Aromatic, gray or green, compact, evergreen subshrub, yellow button flowers; requires shearing to keep neat.

Serviceberry [Amelanchier utahensis] (M) Large deciduous, white flowers, blue fruits, good fall color.

Shrubby Cinquefoil [Potentilla fruticosa] To 4’ (N/M-H/R). Dense rounded shrub, 1” rose-like flowers; easy; many cultivars.

Snowberry [Symphoricarpus species] (M) Hardy, spreading or upright, deciduous shrubs, small pink flowers, white fruits; similar Coral Berry [S. orbiculatus] has purplish red fruits.

Spanish Brown [Spartium junceum] From 6-10’ (M) Evergreen, dense dark green almost leafless stems, fragrant, yellow flowers; poisonous but rabbits still seem to browse it.

Threeleaf Sumac [Rhus trilobata] To 6’ or more (N/L/R) Broad, tough, attractive, red berries, good fall color.

Vitex [Vitex angus-castus] To 10’ tall and wide (M/H) Palmate leaves, silver below, blue summer flowers.

Winter Jasmine [Jasminum nudillorun] From 10-15’ (M) Viny, yellow 1” flowers before leaves.

Winterfat [Ceratoides lanata] To 2’ (L) Silvery white; grown, for showy, woolly seed heads in winter.

Yuccas [Yucca species] (N/L/R) Sculptural desert plants, sword-shaped leaves, waxy, white flowers.

· Datil [Yucca baccata] To 3’.

· Soaptree [Yucca elate] To 15’.

· Soapweed [Yucca glauca} to 3’.

Perennials

Aster [Machaeranthera bilelovii] To 3’ (L) Native annual/biennial, blue daisies bloom in fall; many other asters successful here with minimum water and care.

Bearded Iris [Iris hybrids] (M/R) Rabbits don’t attack; protect from spring winds; subject to aphids.

Blackfoot Daisy [Melampodium leucanthum] To 16” (N/L/R) Compact mounds of delicate foliage covered with white daisies.

Blue Flax [Linum lewisii] To 2’ (N/M) Sky blue flowers on delicate nodding stems all summer; a favorite.

Bush Morningglory [Ipomoea leptophylla] To 24” (N/L/R) Mounding ground cover, 3” magenta trumpet flowers.

Butterflyweed [Asclepias tuberose] To 3’ (N/L) Orange flowers, attractive to butterflies.

California Fuschia [Zauschneria californica] To 30” in a protected place (N/M) Scarlet tube flowers in late summer.

Chocolate Flower [Berlandiera lyrata] (N/L/R) Yellow fragrant flowers all summer, very drought tolerant.

Columbine [Aquilegia species] (M) A number of native species do well here as do the old-fashined ones; best in afternoon shade.

Coneflower {Mexican Hat} [Ratibida columnaris] To 18” (N/L) Meadow flower, delicate foliage topped by yellow or wine flowers all summer.

Coreopsis [Coreopsis species] (M-H) Daisy-like flowers, hardy. C. lanceolata a good bet here.

Daylillies [Hermerocalllis species] To 3’ (M) Hardy, summer bloomer; many beautiful hybrids available.

Desert Marigold [Baileys multiradiata] To 18” (M-L) Annual/biennial, arroyo dweller; 2” yellow daisies on handsome gray foliage in summer.

Desert Zinia [Zinnia grandiflora] To 8” ground cover (N/L/R) Golden flowers in summer.

Dwarf Plumbago [Ceratostigma plumbaginoides] (M) Wiry-stemmed bronze to dark green ground cover. Intense blue flowers.

English Lavender [Lavendula angustifolia] To 2’ (L-M) Gray leaved, aromatic with blue spikes; other handsome garden herbs fond of dry conditions-thyme, oregano, savories.

Evening Primrose [Oenthera species] (N/L-M) Many lovely natives. Also:

· Mexican Evening Primprose [Oenothera speciosus] Spreading ground cover, showy pink blooms.

· Missouri Evening Primrose [Oenothera missouriensis] Showy yellow 4’ flowers in summer, low handsome plant, dark green leaves.

Flowering Onions [Allium species] (M-H) Attractive garden plants; “Nodding” onion to 10”, purple-flowered native.

Gaillardia [Gaillardia species] (N/L-M) Popular blanket flower, tough, colorful, summer bloomer.

Gaura [Gaura linheimeri] From 2-4’ (N/M) Delicate, white flowers on long white spikes.

Gayfeather [Liatris punctata] To 2’ (N/L-M/R) Showy magenta bloom spikes in late summer; easy.

Giant Four O’clock [Mirabilis multiflora] To 18’ (N/M/R) From 4-6’ wide, good ground cover under junipers, magenta flowers.

Hollyhock [Alcea roses] To 6’ (M) Much used in old New Mexico gardens; short-lived perennial.

Lamb’s Ear [Stachys lariats] To 2’ (M)

Maxmillian Sunflower [Helianthus maxmilliani]

Oriental Poppy [Papaver orientalis]

Paperflower [Psilostrophe lagetinal]

Penstemons (N/L-M/R)

· Narrow-Leaf Penstemon [P. Angustifolius] Blue, lavender, pink, desert pen. [P. Barbatus] Up to 3’ stems, brilliant red tube flowers. (Protect from rabbits)

[P. Palmerii] To 4’ or 5’ Puffy pale pink flowers, grey leaves; keep on dry side. [P. Pseudospeciabilis] Erector sprawly forms to 3’ Dark pink tubular flowers, glossy foliage turns red in winter and stays presentable.

· Pine Needle Penstemon [P. Pinifollus] Evergreen mats, scarlet flowers. (Protect from rabbits.)

· Rocky Mountain Penstemon [P. Strictus] From 2’-3’ stalks of royal blue in spring. (Protect from rabbits.)

· Sand Penstemon [P. Ambiguus] Sand-loving, airy pinkish blooms, sub-shrub.

Prairieclover [Petalostemon purpuerus] From 1-2’ (L/M) Pink flowers in June/July, fine cut foliage.

Prostrate Rosemary [Rosmarinum Officinalis(Prostrate)] (M) Good ground cover, aromatic foliage, blue flowers.

Purple Coneflower [Echinacea purpurea] To 3’ (N/M-H) Showy, lavender purple daisies in summer.

Pussytoes [Antennaria roses] (N/L) Gray mat plant with rosy flowering stalks in summer, tough; needs good drainage.

Red Hot Poker [Kniphofia uvaria] To 3’ ((L/M/R) Bright orange flower spikes rise from fan of spiky leaves.

Rue [Ruts graveolens] From 2-3’ (L) Aromatic, fernlike gray foliage, seed pods of interest.

Russian Sage [Perovskia atriplicifolia] From 3-4’ (M) Soft, gray foliage, splendid blue flowers in summer.

Salvias [Salvia species] Easy, handsome.

· Garden Sage [Salvia officinalis] To 2’ (M) Garden herb, grey foliage, blue flowers in summer.

· Mealy Sage [Salvia farinacea] Mounding to 3’ if happy (N/M) Deep blue flowers; cultivars available.

· Pitcher Sage [Salvia azurea grandiflora] To 5’ depending on water (N/M/R) Deep blue flowers in late summer.

Scarlet Hedgenettle [Stachys coccinea] To 18” (N/M) Brilliant red blooms in summer, tough native.

Snow in Summer [Cerastium tomentosum] (L-M) Ground cover, forming mats; gray leaves, early summer white bloom.

Soapwort [Saponaria ocymoides] To 1’ ground cover (M) Covered with small pink flowers in spring; tough.

Stonecrop [Sedum spectabile] To 18” (L-M) Fleshy, gray-green leaves, pink flowers in late summer, dies down in winter; similar species is (S. telephium), “Autumn Joy”, with coppery blooms.

Verbenas[Verbena species] (M/R) Several of the native and exotic verbenas are good ground covers.

· [V.rigida]. Bright Purple.

· [V. goddingii] (N) Magenta, self-seeds readily.

· [V. wrightii] Lavender, self-seeds readily.

Wild Iris [Iris missouriensis] (N/H) Native to our moist high meadows; blue flags in spring.