Yard of the Month Program

Yard of the Month Program

The Beautification Committee will award a monthly winner as follows: 

  • Porch Appearance (January through March)
  • Landscaping (April through September)
  • Holiday Decoration (October through December)

Each monthly winner will receive recognition on the Homeowner Association (HOA) website and on social media (i.e. Facebook, Nextdoor, etc.). The winner will also have the honor of displaying the official “Easterly Lakes Yard of the Month” yard sign that identifies their property as the Yard of the Month winner.

Program Guidelines

  • Judging will be provided by the Beautification Committee.
  • Porch Appearance awards will be presented for the months of January through March.
  • Landscaping awards will be presented for the months of April through September
  • Holiday decoration awards will be presented for the months of October through December.
  • The award term is from the 15th of the month until the 14th of the following month.
  • The same property may receive the award once per award category in a calendar year.
  • The property of all current residents of Easterly Lakes are eligible to participate in the program, except for those homeowners involved in the governance of the HOA and those involved in the selection process.
  • Residents not wishing to participate may contact the Chair of the Beautification Committee to remove their property from consideration.
  • The upkeep of the yard or porch or installation of holiday decorations may reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional installer/designer.
  • During their reign as Yard of the Month, winners are expected to maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title. However, those winning the Holiday award may remove the decorations following the completion of the holiday.
  • Yard of the Month winners must be members of good standing with the Association, current with their Association dues, and free of current HOA covenant violations. 

Judging Criteria

Porch Appearance Awards (January through March)

Porch awards are judged on the use of originality and creativity to create an inviting front entryway and a positive overall appearance as viewed from the street. The arrangement may be formal or informal with the use of color, textures, flowers and pots.

Landscaping Awards (April through September)

Yard of the Month candidates for landscaping are judged solely on the exterior appearance of their property as viewed from the street. Yards will be judged on neatness, landscaping and color.

LAWN

  • Healthy grass with no bare spots or excessive weeds
  • Grass shall be mowed and edged
  • Grass around foundations and fences shall be trimmed
  • Debris shall be picked up and removed (garbage, newspapers, pet waste, etc.)

LANDSCAPE & FLOWER BEDS

  • Trees and shrubs pruned
  • Beds weeded and edged
  • Flowers deadheaded and dead plants removed
  • Natural areas clean
  • Beautification efforts including new flowers, new trees, new shrubs, etc.
  • Plantings in scale with the surroundings and limited to a few different types rather than too many which may confuse the eye

WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAYS

  • Clean and stain free with trash containers and yard products removed from view
  • Curb free from debris and dirt

AESTHETICS:

  • Overall look of landscape is pleasing (formal or informal, use of color and textures)
  • Inviting look of front entryway (hanging baskets, pots, cleanliness, etc.)
  • Originality/creativity (any special touches of the owner (yard art, bird feeders, etc.)
  •  Use of accent and safety lighting for an improved evening appearance.

OTHER COMPONENTS:

Buildings, fences, shutters, porches, and patios on the property are in good repair, (i.e. minimal distraction from the landscape due to deterioration, damage or construction)

Decorative Awards (October through December)

Yard of the Month candidates for decorative awards are judged solely on the exterior appearance of their property as viewed from the street. General maintenance and upkeep of the yard and home is included in the judging. Overall appearance, tastefulness, creativity, decorating in the “spirit of the holiday” and a visually appealing facade are considered.

October: The Yard of the Month award for October will be judged on the house with the best Halloween decorations. Spooks, goblins, black cats and pumpkins are all in order. Lights and animation are a plus. Judging will take place during the 3rd week of October.

November:  The Yard of the Month award for November will be judged on the house with the best Fall / Thanksgiving decorations. Judging will take place during the 2nd week of October.

December: The Yard of the Month award for December will be judged on the house with the best Christmas decorations. Theme, creativity and originality in ornamental lighting and decorations will be considered, as will daylight and evening display. Judging will take place during the 2nd week of December.

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