Homeowner stunned after neighbor suggests legal liability over backyard insects: 'Does he think he can sue someone if a bee stings him?'

A neighbor's bizarre response to an inquiry about eco-friendly yard plants sparked confusion online, spurring a debate over homeowners associations and their restrictions on environmentally beneficial practices.

The original poster explained in the r/NoLawns subreddit that a neighbor had inquired to their HOA about the possibility of allowing clover and other grass lawn alternatives in the community.

In a screenshot of the text thread, a different neighbor (identified as a potential HOA board member) can be seen replying, "What happens when your clover [attracts] bees (pollinators) and a neighbor or your children start getting stung."

The candidate for the HOA board did not stop there, further inquiring as to whether the homeowner was sufficiently insured to cover the fallout from such bee stings and adding, "A friend of mine was allergic, didn't know it got stung, died."

While bee sting allergies can be a serious health matter, Redditors rushed to the comments to express their disbelief about the HOA candidate's over-the-top response. 

"Does he think he can sue someone if a bee stings him?" one user asked incredulously. 

"It appears so," the OP responded. 

"I am allergic to bee stings and have a native pollinator garden and have never been stung in 10+ years," shared another Redditor.

While the HOA candidate's response was extreme to the point of absurdity, it unfortunately reflects a broader trend. Across the United States, HOAs have prohibited homeowners from making eco-friendly changes to their homes.

Some HOAs have placed restrictions on replacing grass lawns with native, eco-friendly alternatives that can save water and help pollinators. Other HOAs have banned the installation of solar panels, which allow homeowners to save considerably on their energy bills while reducing planet-warming emissions. 

Should homeowners associations be able to determine what you grow in your garden? Yes 💯 Only if it impacts your neighbors 🏘️ Depends on what you're growing 🌼 Heck no 🙅 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

According to the Foundation for Community Association Research, one-third of U.S. housing exists under an HOA or similar governance structure. This means that HOA restrictions can present a serious barrier to the widespread adoption of more environmentally conscious practices. 

The good news is that HOA bylaws can be changed. To learn how, visit this page. 

For those unencumbered by meddlesome HOAs or the threat of bee sting litigation, check out these pages for helpful tips on upgrading to a natural lawn and rewilding your yard.  

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.