HOA landscape maintenance can be challenging for board members and property managers alike. Landscaping remains an important factor in property values, so it’s a detail that can’t be overlooked. According to real estate professionals, poor landscaping can decrease property values by as much as 30%.
“Our homeowners association landscaping company is trusted by HOAs all across Atlanta for a reason – because we understand how to adhere to landscaping rules while delivering maximum value for our clients, ” says Larry Jones (Co-Owner of L. Jones Landscapes LLC)
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) agrees about the importance of professional HOA lawn maintenance services and other year-round landscape care for property values. With so many pros highlighting the importance of landscaping for property values, it only makes sense to take proper care of your HOA landscape, and it’s a must to know the critical seasonal mishaps to avoid.
17 Seasonal HOA Landscape Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid
As the seasons roll by, taking care of an HOA community landscape means staying on top of different tasks to keep things looking exceptional all year long. “We’ve actually spent decades working with community boards and HOA landscape committees, and we’ve seen how easy it is to goof up on small stuff when it comes to seasonal lawn care services, turning a beautiful yard into a real eyesore”, says Larry Jones (Co-Owner of L. Jones Landscapes in Atlanta).
Ignoring these common HOA mistakes in landscaping can wreck your plants, make the common areas look shabby, and get folks complaining. Let’s talk about steering clear of these slip-ups to help keep your community’s grounds in top shape year-round. By avoiding these mistakes, you protect landscape health, maintain landscaping rules and aesthetics, while also keeping residents satisfied.
Spring Planning HOA Landscaping Mishaps To Avoid
1. Late Thatch Removal
Removing overgrown thatch too late can prevent air and water from reaching the soil and the roots of the lawn underneath.
2. Poor Timing for Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Applying pre-emergent herbicides too early can result in herbicide breakdown before weed seeds start to germinate.
3. Missing Spring Pruning
Prune in early spring to minimize the risk of disease and pest problems affecting the damaged areas of the plants.
4. Late Irrigation System Startup
Starting irrigation too late can cause stress to the lawn and plants, eventually causing damage and poor plant development.
Summer Care – Commercial Grounds Maintenance Errors
5. Wrong Watering Times
Watering at the wrong time can waste resources and it hurts plants. Early morning or late afternoon is best to cut evaporation and keep your landscape thriving.
6. Poor Drought Management
During droughts, it’s even more important to manage watering schedules properly to avoid severe water shortages, increased costs, and stress on plants, all without wasting water. Efficient irrigation systems and mulch applications are also important during droughts.
7. Missing Heat Stress Signs
We can’t tell you how many times we’ve walked through an HOA property and spotted plants practically screaming for water. Most boards wait until the damage is done. Those yellow leaves? The crispy edges? That weird wilting when it’s not even that hot out? Those plants are begging for help! After 30 years in this business, we’ve saved tons of landscapes just by tweaking watering schedules, throwing down some extra mulch, and rigging up temporary shade. Trust us, your wallet (and your neighbors) will thank you when the thermometer hits 95° and your plants aren’t fried to a crisp.
8. Late Pest Treatment
Applying pest treatments too late in the summer can make them less effective and result in unwanted infestations.
Fall Landscaping Pitfalls
9. Late Leaf Removal
Dragging your feet on clearing fallen leaves in the autumn can spell trouble for your HOA’s lawn health. Late leaf removal can smother grass, inhibit growth and lead to mold damage and turf diseases.
10. Poor Winter Prep Timing
It’s important to prep the lawn and landscaping installations during the fall so they can get proper nutrients and hydration during the winter months.
11. Missing Fall Fertilization
Fall fertilization helps support root growth so plants can withstand the stress of winter.
12. Late Bulb Planting
The best time to plant bulbs is in the fall when soil temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter Prep Landscaping and Lawn Care Mistakes
13. Late Winterization
Failing to winterize lawns and landscapes on time puts them at risk of damage from freezing temps. Putting off winterization also risks damaging certain landscape elements like pipes and plants. These landscaping tips stress early prep to avoid costly freezes.
14. Poor Snow Removal Planning
Not having a solid plan for proper snow removal can lead to very dangerous, slippery spots and annoyed residents. Good planning will keep walkways clear and safe all winter long. Proper snow removal plans will also account for plants to avoid potential damage.
15. Not Protecting Sensitive Plants
Some plants need special protection from winter conditions. Skipping protection for sensitive plants in the winter can lead to major, major damage. Wrap shrubs with burlap and mulch beds heavily to shield them from the harsh cold and wind.
16. Missing Fall Cleanup
Getting your yard in shape with a good fall cleanup is a key factor to facing the winter season head-on. By clearing out leaves, debris, and dead plants, you’re not just cleaning up, you’re stopping pests and minimizing the risks of mold and other diseases from settling in. Plus, it gives your outdoor space a fresh start for the spring season. Spending a little extra time on cleanup now can really pay off when the cold hits.
17. Poor Landscape Contractor Selection
The number one mistake HOAs make is selecting the wrong landscaping company in the first place. Choosing the wrong landscaping team puts your property values at risk.
“We always tell our clients to ask detailed questions when considering new landscapers for their properties. Find out how much experience they have and get real references from recent clients. Equally important, contact those references if you can. You can learn a lot from previous clients, ” added Gus Jones.
Use this list as part of your interview process to help you select some of the best HOA landscape maintenance companies in your area. If the HOA landscapers don’t have a plan for these common mistakes, look elsewhere.
Benefits of Proper Landscape Maintenance
Doing landscape maintenance the right way will pay off big for your homeowners association. We’ve seen how tidy yards can provide curb appeal, increase property values and make a neighborhood the talk of the town.
If you’re near Atlanta, Georgia, give us a call today at (770) 431-1800 for expert landscape help to keep your community’s green spaces looking great all year long. Our landscaping contractors know how to mow, trim, plant and more while adhering to community landscaping rules and staying on budget. We deliver high-quality services that please residents and the HOA board alike.
Your community deserves the best. Let us take the guesswork out of property upkeep.
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