A spectacular spring landscape for residents to stroll through has to be planned now. Late winter and early spring are the time of year when much of the stage is set for community landscaping throughout the rest of the year.

This is the perfect time to help determine your landscape checklist, not only for spring but for the entire year!

Guide to HOA Spring Landscape Maintenance

Spring landscape maintenance should start a little before spring, with the community manager doing a walkthrough of the property. This should include evaluating all common areas and taking notice of any homes in need of repair.

Once there is a clear picture of what needs to be done and what will need to be purchased, the community manager will make arrangements with vendors to perform maintenance on the common area grounds and plant flowers, trees, and shrubbery.

This is the time of year that bids should be taken for contracts that involve the upkeep of the community’s spring and summer landscape. Sometimes, one company is contracted for all services, including spring and summer mowing and seasonal snow removal, and additional landscaping services. In contrast, the HOA may contract different companies for each job. The HOA needs to make the best choice depending on the climate and budget of the specific community that they govern.

Across the board, at this time of year in HOA communities, you should expect to see contractors and landscapers around the community working on cleaning up common areas, planting and pruning trees, bushes, and other plants. Many HOA’s will hire an arborist, landscape designer, or other experts to help ensure the trees’ health and beauty and other valuable elements of the common areas.

For Homeowners in HOA Communities

If you are a homeowner in an HOA, it’s essential to recognize what an asset your community manager can be. You can arrange to meet with them, and they can help you understand the specific guidelines of your community.

Some communities require specific plants or flowers, while others have restrictions on which flowers, shrubs, and trees you can plant. If you want to add plants to your landscape, especially for your spring landscape, now is the time to contact your board and ensure your plants are allowed.

During this time of year, you will need to assess your soil and add any nutrients or other materials necessary for growth. You may want to plan for treatments to inhibit weed growth or prevent flea infestations if you have pets.

Renovation pruning should be done in early spring as well. This will help keep trees and shrubs healthy and help them “spring” back to life and flower on a more natural scale.

A Beautiful Spring Landscape

To have a stunning and colorful spring landscape will take the cooperation of the whole community, from the HOA board to the community manager to the individual homeowners. Thankfully, getting everyone on board for the benefit of the community as a whole isn’t the most difficult sell.

Do your part now for a lovely community that you will be able to enjoy year-round!

AR Management can help boards with property, fiduciary, and decision management. If your HOA is looking for assistance, contact us today.