This document is an overview of Landscaping at LBS.  As a community, we have worked to achieve policies that:

·        Promote a responsible use of the landscape budget,

·        Provide freedom from the obligations of lawn work and tree maintenance

·        Permit flexibility for those who enjoy the appearance and the activity of landscaping around their individual unit, and

·        Respect the regulations of the Illinois Condominium Act.

The Landscape Budget is large at LBS, yet it has grown only 4% since 1991.  In striving to keep costs down, priorities are established.  Our priorities are the upkeep of the lawns and public flower beds, the health of the trees, protection of naturalized areas, maintenance and replacement of timbers to control erosion, provision and care of shrubs around the units.

Many of us want flowers in beds around our units, perhaps more interesting shrubs, an upgraded patio or courtyard.  We are also willing to pay individually to achieve the look we want.   The Landscape Commission welcomes that, encourages it, and frankly, is grateful that individuals are willing to create beauty where the official budget would only provide neatness and health.

 There is a great deal of landscaping you can do without a variance (a plan which is submitted to the Commission for approval).  However, there are times when you will need to request a variance.  Here’s why.  It’s helpful to understand that all the land outside the unit belongs to either the Common Elements (we all share it) or Limited Common Elements. “Limited Common Elements” is a vague term, which describes portions of the Common Elements that are provided for private use.  A private deck, courtyard or patio is easy to delineate as Limited Common Element.  We choose also to use this term for the existing flowerbeds outside the fences, behind or alongside the units, usually adjacent to the unit.  This is an imperfect definition, because there are many variations on whether and to what extent these beds exist. 

We hope to communicate the general idea that, although the bed at your front door feels and looks like yours, and you want to design it, and you’ll pay for it, it stills belongs to all of us.  We truly believe that beautifying your unit is not for personal use, but rather for all of our benefit.

 For those of you who want to garden or landscape at his level, policies have been written to maintain consistency in approach, and wisdom in our choices.  These are documented and available in the management office.