A. Initial landscape plans for new homes must be submitted to AECD for approval before any landscaping begins. This plan is to include softscape (plants and trees), hardscape (rock, stone, concrete, gravel, vertical features, and the like), and name of landscaping firm responsible for installation. Additions to existing landscapes must be approved by AECD prior to installation if hardscape is to be added or if the planting comprises more than 25% of existing un-landscaped grounds.
1. The Big Canoe Approved Plant List emphasizes plant species that are native to the Piedmont Region of Georgia in which Big Canoe is located. Other plants are included to compensate for climate and wildlife variables.
2. All native invasives and non-native invasives are prohibited (Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council List of on-native Invasive Plants in Georgia at www.gaeppe.org/list. Invasive lists for adjacent states are also important to note.
a. Property Owners are encouraged to remove previously approved plants that are now considered invasive, particularly nandina, elaeagnus, and leatherleaf mahonia.
b. Kudzu sightings should be reported to the POA fixit@bigcanoepoa.org.
3. With regard to Supporting Plants (vines, annuals, perennials, herbs, grasses, and groundcovers), Georgia Piedmont native plants are appropriate [see www.extension.uga.edu/publications for University of Georgia Extension List of Native Plants of North Georgia Bulletin 987 (Trees, Shrubs, Woody Vines); Bulletin 987-2 (Ferns); Bulletin 987-3 (Wildflowers); Bulletin 987-4 (Grasses)].
4. Landscape plans that were installed before May 1, 2019, are exempted.
5. Landscape plans that are approved after May 1, 2019, must adhere to the BCPOA Approved Plant List. Recognizing that native plants may not always be readily available, Property Owners may purchase cultivars as long as such are aesthetic to the Piedmont.
6. Plants may not be pruned into shapes unnatural to the plant species.
B. The Big Canoe Approved Plant List is published on the BCPOA web site (www.bigcanoepoa.org, POA>Governing Documents>Architectural and Environmental Control Standards).
C. Mulch color shall blend with the surrounding natural environment.
