As outlined in the Daniel Island Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and the ARB Design Guidelines, all homeowners are required to maintain their lawn and landscaping in a manner consistent with the community-wide standard. This includes keeping the exterior of all improvements neat, attractive, and in safe condition. Please remember that any changes to landscaping must be approved by the Daniel Island ARB prior to the addition or removal of plant materials.
To help clarify expectations, the following standards apply to all property owners regarding lawn and landscape care:
Community Lawn & Landscape Standards
- Lawn Care: Grass must be regularly mowed, edged, and maintained for a healthy, uniform appearance. Lawns should be fertilized, watered, and weeded to remain consistently green during the growing season. Mowing should occur every 7–10 days in season, and as needed otherwise. Even in the dormant season, lawns must be kept weed-free.
- Edging: Grass should not extend over sidewalks, driveways, curbs, patios, or into mulched areas or garden beds.
- Mulched Areas: All mulched zones and garden beds must be free of weeds and overgrowth. Only natural-colored mulch is permitted. Mulch or pine straw should be refreshed annually to maintain a tidy, uniform appearance.
- Bare Spots: Bare soil is not allowed unless part of an active planting bed. Damaged or dead grass should be replaced with sod that matches the existing yard. In areas with low sunlight, groundcover plants or mulch may be used with prior ARB approval.
- Shrubs, Bushes & Trees: Foundation plantings and any changes to existing landscaping must be approved by the DI ARB before installation. All plantings should be regularly pruned and maintained in a manner appropriate to the plant type.
- Street Trees: Trees located in the public right-of-way (between the curb and the sidewalk) are maintained by the City of Charleston. Any maintenance requests should be directed to the City. Trees on private property that require removal or major pruning need prior ARB approval.
- Hardscape Maintenance: Driveways, sidewalks, porches, steps, and building facades should be kept clean and free from mold, mildew, and other organic buildup as needed.
- Irrigation & Cleanup: An irrigation system is highly recommended to help keep lawns and landscapes healthy. If you use a landscape contractor, please ensure they remove all yard debris when they leave. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their contractors follow these guidelines.
- Right-of-Way: The strip of land between the sidewalk and street, although a public right-of-way, is to be maintained by the homeowner.
All homes and yards should remain in compliance with the Daniel Island ARB Design Guidelines and CC&Rs. Thank you for helping preserve the beauty and character of our community through responsible lawn and landscape care and increasing the property value of your home – it’s a win-win for you as the owner as well as for the entire Daniel Island community.
