Lot, Yard and Landscaping

Lot Stakes
Lot stakes may have been placed to aid in the construction of
your home. Do not rely on these stakes to establish property
boundaries or to locate any improvements (e.g. fences) on your
property.
Easements
Before digging for fencing, tree planting, and other purposes,
contact your local utility company. They will be happy to stake the
location of utility services.
Sod
New sod requires substantial and frequent watering. After closing,
all subsequent care and maintenance is your responsibility. Proper
watering, fertilizing and maintenance are vital to ensuring your new
sod will endure long after installation.
Landscaping
The standard landscaping package is guaranteed to be healthy
and growing when planted. It is your responsibility to ensure the
landscaping plants receive sufficient water and fertilizer during the
growing season.

Shrubs and Trees
We assume no responsibility for the existing trees or other plant
material on the home site or for any damage they may cause due
to their root systems, falling branches, or other reasons. Periodic
pruning is recommended and irrigation is essential.
Sprinkler System
If your system has an automatic timer, the timer setting should be
checked after power outages. The most effective time to water
your lawn is just prior to sunrise as the sun evaporates water
quickly during the day. Watering at night can cause the growth of
a fungus which kills grass. It is your responsibility to clean and
adjust the sprinkler heads as needed. Damage to sprinkler heads
and their related components by lawn mowers and grass trimmers
is not covered.
Site Drainage and Grading
We have established grades and swales to ensure proper drainage
away from your home. You are responsible for maintaining such
grades and swales. The grade should slope away from the
foundation at all times. Failure to maintain the established grades
may result in damage to the foundation of the home. It is normal
for water to stand or pond for a period of time after a rain until it
drains or percolates, up to 72 hours.
Expansive Soils
Proper maintenance of the soils around the foundation is critical to
the successful performance of the home and its foundation. Please
be aware that expansive soils are common in Texas. Expansive soils
contain natural clay materials that expand when wet and contract
when dry. Because the soils around and underlying the home have
this tendency to expand and shrink due to the level of moisture in
the soil, you should implement a regular watering program to
maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil on a year-round basis.
Routinely check the performance of any irrigation or sprinkler
systems, including ensuring that all sprinkler heads are operational
and directing water to the intended locations. If such systems are
not installed, you should regularly monitor soil conditions and
determine when watering is needed near the home’s perimeter.
Proper drainage is also important for home maintenance. If you
wish to perform work outside of the home or plant trees or
shrubbery near the home, we recommend that you consult with a
licensed landscape architect or engineer. Performing work such as
installing a pool, curbs, decks, retaining or other walls, or patios
may affect the drainage grade and patterns. Similarly, installing
trees or shrubbery near the foundation or in existing drainage areas
can create problems.