Maintaining common areas is one of the board’s most basic responsibilities. To fulfill that responsibility, the board should contact a professional landscaping company. Before signing the contract, the board sought bids from several potential companies, carefully consider the competence and expertise of each company, check references, and compare fees.
These fees may seem like an added expense; but, in the long run, the additional cost will be less than the losses you would face without professional help. Consider the advantages:
Professional Expertise: It takes more than a green thumb to maintain attractive and functional landscaping. The contractor employs professional staff and trained labor crews. This expertise translates into a cost-effective and successful landscape maintenance program for the community.
No Equipment to Buy or Maintain: The association doesn’t have to purchase, store, insure, maintain, or buy fuel for equipment.
Improved Plant Survival: Trees, turf, shrubs, and other plantings are costly. Without proper care, they don’t survive, especially immediately after installation. The landscaper guarantees newly planted shrubs and trees, so you don’t have to pay for replacing dead plants.
Reduced Liability: The association’s landscape contractor should be properly insured and knowledgeable about all local and federal environmental requirements and safety regulations.
Landscaping is very important to the community’s quality of life and its image and value. Maintaining it can be very expensive. Is it worth what the association pays for these services? Yes! In fact, failing to invest in professional landscape maintenance is a false economy because curb appeal makes the neighborhood desirable and contributes to the value of the homes.
