it's as artificial as a landscape rock can get. Almost all the VOLCANIC red rock comes from Show Low, which is high desert snow country. Saying it fits into a low desert landscaping scheme is tacky. It's also harsh on children and pets.

Now if you're talking about a non-volcanic red rock, I haven't seen any that wasn't force colored. Any rock will raise the immediate area temperature if you're comparing it to vegetation.

Yes, it will get very hot! An old landscaper told me that the desert yards you see in really nice areas use a certain mix with a bit of sand in it, to create the little hills and contours for their area. When weeds come up, he said spray them with , oh heck, can't think of the name. The grass killer spray. I hate it when this happens.

I moved out of my last home because of the HOA. They were, quite literally, insane. Run while you can.

Lots of rock yards out here. When you say this HOA has "started using it" - I wonder, is this a new development? Is the use of rock mandated in the rules or just xeriscaping? You could probably check that by looking at the subdivision's covenants in the public records if you're curious.

Why do you think you would be forced to do this on your property if this isn't your HOA/subdivision?

My subdivision requires xeriscaping, and all of the yards have that 2" rock in the front, with at a minimum, a tree and a couple of shrubs. Is it hot? Sure. it's hot here in the summer.

Of course, the other side of the coin is lawn, which in Southwest yards is . . . problematic. There's a wonderful middle ground, but many people just don't have the time, money, or imagination to do creative, climate appropriate landscaping.

Violetwest..this is actually a COA, similiar to HOA only condos (though our units have a substantial front yard.).one of the first large scale over 55 communities built in 1964. It is a grassland and desert area. It has always had dirt with very hardy shrubs, cactus and trees as some owners are part time snowbirds only, and rocks lining yards and paths to help contain or slow down heavy rain run off. No irrigation allowed. About a year ago some owners started using this hard edged strong red rock in their "common area" yards and we were told it was their choice, their expense. But I"ve heard from man in charge of Landscaping they, the Board of Directors, are looking into using the rock more. I don;t know if they can force us to use it or not. I've never been in a COA. I"m sending a letter letting them know we prefer the "natural" ground floor and will never choose or promote t he red rock. I should post a picture...

dirt, really? plain, uncovered dirt? no mulch or screenings or anything? That seems strange to me. when you say, "rocks lining yards and paths" -- are you talking about dry streambeds?

So -- is the association maintaining the yards, and do the materials and labor come out of your fees? Or are people actively gardening and maintaining their own yards? You need to look at what the association rules say; they can't force you to do something that's outside of the rules unless the board votes to amend them.

I'm not sure that rock would be any hotter than dirt. The only thing that would reduce the heat would be ground cover -- difficult if not even drip irrigation is allowed. One thing I'll say -- that rock is treacherous to walk on, particularly if on sloping or contoured ground.

I agree with violetwest, rock will really be no hotter than dirt or sand, assuming all are bare. However, rock does qualify as a mulch, and has been used as such in Native American agriculture for thousands of years here in the SW.

Still, if you don't like the look (I'm not fond of the volcanic stuff myself for yards, though I really like to use boulders, moss rock, river rock, etc…) that's where you should draw the line. Good luck with the COA.