Our project planning must be sensitive to transitions from building to open space, the need for common areas, and the protection of special features. These design professionals must also be able to use plant and building materials and site furniture to enhance the use of the outdoors for study, relaxation, contemplation, socializing, and entertainment.

The Developer, the Builder Team and the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) have developed standards for Landscape Architectural design and installation. These standards provide a precise description for specific installations that, if followed, will enable management staff to approve the application without review by the ARC. In most cases approval can be given within a few days.

The Landscape Architectural Guidelines for Elkridge Heights are founded on the following guiding principles.

• Blending new areas by retaining islands of natural vegetation in new development areas and creating new and similar vegetative buffers which soften building facades and site facilities.
• Integrating and articulating architectural and site design in conjunction with landscape architectural design in the planning process to ensure that attractive settings and ample open spaces are provided for our homeowners.
• Seeking to develop new significant landscape features in association with each related home, including greens, attractive, creatively designed ponds and water features, and pedestrian areas that create an aura of calm and are soothing to the eye, which is fundamental to the ElkRidge environment.
• Establishing the initial style and character of the plantings with emphasis on transitioning and reflecting the natural formation of plantings.
• Maintaining a selective palette of indigenous and site-adaptive plant species that promote low water-demand principles.
• Creating a sense of welcome upon arrival at ElkRidge entrances and throughout the entire project.
• Establishing plantings in settings that will mature into attractive, low maintenance, durable vegetation which increase in attractiveness, and enhance the homes and neighborhoods that they adorn.