[Lost Highway]

If you want to have that kind of yard the don't live in a neighborhood with a HOA.

[HairOfTheDog]

She did agree to Community Association rules and can't expect complete autonomy, I agree, but I wish I could see a photo of the place as well as the rules she agreed to.

I have just never seen big bushes and trees as an eyesore. If she had a lawn that wasn't kept up, I could understand, but not because of too much shrubbery!

Before I judge for sure, it needs a picture! - Anyone in Houston that can go take one?

[Freedom4US]

That's not necessarily true, many cities have municipal codes requiring "weed free" lawns, regular mowing etc, regardless of any HOA. They'll often come out and cut the grass at $50 an hour here, if the homeowner refuses.

I'm ambivalent about stuff like this. Property values and conformity are one thing, but I have some rogue DNA that really chafes at "authority" telling me how I have to maintain a yard.