Your home’s exterior sets the tone of your aesthetic. That’s why you need to have a landscape you’re proud of. It’s not a matter of pleasing others, it’s about building your haven. It’s important to build an outdoor area where you can lighten up with your friends and family.
A New Hampshire home with a rich garden and relaxing yard is a sight to behold. People often hire professionals to fix their layout. It’s your best bet if you want to make the most of your plot. They know all about the water features and the landscaping laws.
Hiring help also allows you to nurture a rich garden. They can help you pinpoint the type of soil your land has and select the ideal garden plants. A well-planned yard and garden can increase the value of your home. To do so, you need to get familiar with gardening and landscaping laws in New Hampshire.
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Does the Authority Hold any Power?
The Planning Board holds discretionary powers. They may waive any requirement relating to vegetation or topography. This depends on the type of landscaping on your site. They are also in charge of screening and buffering. Especially if you have a nonresidential setting in a residential one.
You don’t want your neighbors to be adversely affected by your landscaping project. Unwanted lights, noises, or vibrations can irritate the residents. That’s why you need to ensure the outcome safeguard the quality of your surroundings. This is particularly relevant if you plan to do any commercial activity in your home.
What You Need to Know About Landscaping Laws
When it comes to landscaping, you need to include buffers. This improves the visual screening of your area throughout the year. It involves vegetation, nurseries, walls, fences, and more. A standard related to this law helps create a dense screen in the boundaries of a residential area.
If your landscape contains a multitude of trees, you need to preserve them. Other standard states that you can plant two decorative trees per 40 linear feet in your front yard. This means paying attention to the water and drainage. Stripping any natural vegetation is prohibited unless you get approval.
There are so many other things to consider too. If you live in a multifamily unit, you need to contribute at least 10% of your land to planting beds. You can plant shrubs or flowers. Or you could just have a green ground cover. Ground cover isn’t a necessity in residents with no front yard.
What About Gardening Laws?
Existing topography and trees should inspire your gardening plans. Anything you plant must complement tree planting. This includes shrubs and ground cover. Any shade trees you add must have at least a 2.5 inches trunk. You also must have an external hose attachment or an effective sprinkling system.
You and your agent are obligated to protect and maintain your landscape. It is your responsibility to ensure it grows in pristine and healthy conditions. You have to keep your land free of debris. If you need to replace your existing vegetation, the new ones should be native to New Hampshire.
Maintenance must include vegetation replacement, proper irrigation, and pruning. You must also fertilize your plants regularly and add protection against diseases. Your task also involves drainage and debris cleanup. Pruning must be done in routine intervals too.
Pay Attention to the Maintenance and Disposal of Pesticides
All pesticides must be stored in a secure enclosure. It should be able to withstand the chemicals and not deteriorate over time. Pesticide containers should be cleaned with a suitable solvent. Most labels have a prescribed one.
Make sure it’s labeled properly to avoid mishandling or contaminating the environment. It endangers public health otherwise. Check if your pesticides are obsolete or unregistered. If so, you must return it to the manufacturers as soon as you can.
They can reformulate the product or dispose of it accordingly. If the pesticide you used has proper disposing guidelines, follow them. You can also send it to an authorized waste treatment facility if you’re unsure.
Interested in Selling Your Produce?
Well, you need a license for producing and selling homestead food products. It depends on two things though. The venue you’ll be selling the produce in and the total gross sales. You don’t need a license if you make less than $20,000 and sell your products from your home.
You also need to pay attention to the advertising. You can’t mislead others. Unless you grow the produce in New Hampshire, you can’t advertise it as locally grown. Labels such as native or locally produced are frowned upon too. It’s only acceptable to use this term when you grow your products on this land from scratch.
There are some other things you must comply with. Especially regarding the language used on organic labels. If you claim your product is 100% organic then you must break down the composition. Define what makes it organic. You must submit it to the “New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets and Food” for approval.
Conclusion
Reconstructing your home’s exterior is no easy feat. Especially with the gardening and landscaping laws in New Hampshire. Do your research before refurbishing. Consult experts and professionals to learn about all the necessary guidelines. You live not only for yourself but also for the community.
Also Read: Gardening and Landscaping Laws in Minnesota – State Gardener
