While there are often no state or local restrictions on using fake snow with outdoor holiday decorations, homeowners looking to add little razzle-dazzle to their holiday displays will have several options on how to add artificial snow to their decorations. Common snow substitutes include sheets, spray on snow and powders. Homeowners looking to use artificial snow substitutes need to make sure that the type of fake snow they’re using does not clash with the association’s rules regarding seasonal lawn ornaments.
With the winter holidays fast approaching, it’s almost time to pull those seasonal ornaments out from the dust covered bins you piled them into at the end of last year. Now is the time to send brave that rickety ladder you’ve never replaced to line your roof with dazzling holiday lights and life-sized reindeer.
While you’re running lines of lights around your front yard or setting up your holiday displays, you might have the errant thought of “snow sure would bring this whole thing together.” Since the chances of seeing snow in southern states are slim, you might be tempted to use fake snow to bring the desired effect to your front yard.
Homeowners looking into fake snow will have several options to choose from, ranging from sheets of fake snow to cans of instant snow spray. However, depending on the materials used to create artificial snow, homeowners may want to consider if the look is worth the risk.
Types of Snow
Sheets of snow: Homeowners might use artificial snow sheets to spruce up parts of their outdoor holiday displays, but leaving these decorations outside in the winter months for extended periods of time will turn the snow into a… less than appealing part of your outdoor décor as they weather winds and rain.
Spray on Snow: Cans of instant snow can do the trick well and quickly, but like many aerosol products, the contents of this fake snow can pose a health risk to unsupervised and over-excited small children who might attempt to ingest the product. It’s best to use this on specific holiday decorations to add a little festive flare, rather than coat large swaths of your home and yard.
Snow Powders: Homeowners can also use powders that turn into artificial snow when mixed with water. After mixing the powder and water, homeowners can spread the solution of their yard and displays. However, anyone using artificial snow outside should expect to apply multiple coats of powder across their yard over the course of the season. Also, this type of snow is sure to eventually wind up in your neighbors’ yards if left in the open. Be sure to speak to your neighbors about the possibility and offer to clean up any rogue flakes.
Rules
At the end of the day, homeowners looking to add fake snow should look at their HOA’s governing documents for a reminder on the association’s rules regarding seasonal decorations. Homeowners who still have questions regarding fake snow after reviewing the governing documents should reach out to a member of the association’s board to see if they might have any helpful insight.
Still have questions? Contact Spectrum Association Management today and we’ll see if we can help you out throughout the holidays and beyond.
