Landscape

Our Mediterranean ecosystem is unique, part of only two percent of the world’s total land area in five small areas around the planet.These areas are characterized by mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, is moderated by cold ocean currents offshore.Throughout the world, the Mediterranean ecosystem is characterized by evergreen or drought deciduous shrublands. (from National Park Service > Santa Monica Mountains).

Native plants of our locale conserve water and provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and other wild things. In doing so, they help complete ecological cycles by maintaining a diverse ecosystem, so fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are not needed. (For more information, see the Audubon Society’s Why Native Plants Matter).

Here are helpful  guides for private property landscapes:

For information on products used by our vendors to manage our common area landscape, contact the Onsite Manager (see Management). 

For information on how to create a defensible space and prepare for brush clearance inspections and fire emergencies, visit the LA County Fire Department. The North Topanga Fire Safety Council will evaluate your home and give tips as to how to make your home safer, and has made this video available: How to Make Your Home Less Vulnerable to Wildfire.

If you are planning to make substantial changes to your home exterior or lot, you must first submit an application to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) (see Governing Documents). TOT has underground pipes, cables, and other utility lines that could be easily cut or damaged.

Here are more resources to help when making landscaping choices:

Quality living for all neighbors