Owners and renters may not make any landscaping changes without first submitting an LPR (Landscaping Proposal Review) application to the Landscaping Committee and Raintree Board for approval. These guidelines will help you put your application together (you use this application if you wish to personally update the landscaping around your condo unit at your own expense).
The Landscaping Committee has developed landscaping guidelines in order to keep the landscaping “look” consistent throughout Raintree. When preparing your landscaping improvement proposal, please refer to the list of plants and ground covers below. This list also includes plants that are not permitted in Raintree.
Where do I find the Landscaping Proposal Review application?
Click here for the application and how to submit for review.
These guidelines are subject to change. If you would like to include plants that are not included below, please refer to the IFAS Florida-Friendly Plant Guide to ensure that the selected plants are considered Florida-friendly. When selecting plants that are not mentioned in these guidelines, be sure to read the plant description, light/water requirements, and mature size. Seek dwarf varieties and shrubs that keep a natural height and shape to reduce trimming and pruning maintenance. You will need these details in your proposal for the plant(s) to be considered. Otherwise, build your proposal based on the list below.
If outside contractors are hired to carry out the landscape improvements, the contractor must submit proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage. If using a contractor, please mention this in your application.
GROUND COVERS
Red Mulch and Brown River Pebbles are the ONLY approved ground covers. No other ground covers will be considered. There are pros and cons to each ground cover based on drainage, heat retention and location. It is not recommended to use Brown River Pebbles to cover large areas. The stones become hot in the summer months and it’s harder for the ground to cool.
EDGING
The following edging has been approved as the ONLY edging for Raintree. If edging is desired in a proposed area, please add to your proposal. Be advised that the Landscaping Committee will review the edging selection to make sure that the primary edging below is selected based on your building. This means that each building uses either the Flagstone edging or the Castle edging. For consistency, the edging must match the primary edging used around your building. The Landscaping Committee will ensure that the right edging is used to match what’s being used around your building and will let you know which edging to include in your proposal.
PLANTS – FULL SUN/PARTIAL SUN
The following plants thrive in heat and sun. They will do better if planted mid-February- May so they will get established before the worst of the heat arrives:
African Iris
Asparagus Fern
African Bush Daisy
Butterfly Iris
Chinese Fringe Flower
Crown of Thorns
Firecracker Flower
Foxtail Fern
Lilyturf/Lily Grass
Pentas
PLANTS – SHADE
The following plants are for shady areas under tree canopies. These plants will burn in the sun:
Aglaonema
Aztec Grass
Bromeliads
Caladium
Cast Iron Plant
Ferns
Foxtail Fern
Peace Lily
Monkey Grass of Lily Turf (Liriope)
Mondo Grass
PLANTS – VARIABLE LIGHT REQUIREMENTS
These plants can be planted in sun and shade:
Arboricola (variegated)
Bouganvillea (dwarf)
Coontie Palm
Chinese Fringe Fern
Croton
Duranto
Ixora
Loropetalum (a.k.a. Plum Delight or Purple Daydream)
Pittosporum (variegated)
Plumbago
Podocarpus (dwarf)
Robellini Palm
Shilling Holly (dwarf)
PLANTS TO AVOID
These plants are considered invasive and will not be approved:
Lantana
Mexican Petunia
Non-Native Firebush
Oyster Plant
Wandering Jew
SOIL IMPROVEMENTS
Good soil is vital to plant health. The Landscaping Committee recommends using black cow manure and planting soil as part of the landscaping proposal.
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