Landscaping is an important part of every community. Not only do neatly manicured lawns, well-maintained trees, and beautiful flowers improve the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood, but they also help boost property values. As a result, the HOA’s responsibility for maintaining the landscaping of the community’s common areas is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Read on to learn more about the board’s role when it comes to HOA landscaping.
Overview of HOA Landscaping Responsibilities
The exact responsibilities of the association are outlined in each community’s governing documents. However, in general, the association will be responsible for maintaining the landscape of all common areas in the community. These areas are typically defined as spaces that all residents have access to and may include parks, ponds, sidewalks, and other green spaces. Below are some of the common things the association is responsible for regarding landscaping.
Maintenance and Upkeep
The board sets standards and guidelines for landscaping maintenance to ensure a consistent and appealing appearance throughout the community. These standards may cover aspects such as lawn care, tree trimming, flowerbed maintenance, and overall landscape design. The board works in conjunction with the community’s management company to vet and hire vendors to provide landscaping services.
Planning and Development of Landscaping Projects
To start, the board should assess the current state of landscaping and identifying areas for improvement or enhancement. The association and community association manager then collaborate with landscape professionals to develop plans that align with the community's preferences, budget constraints, and environmental considerations. This process involves getting input from homeowners through so that their preferences are reflected in the final design.
Legal and Compliance Aspects
While it’s true that the association is responsible for governing the community, the board cannot create and/or enforce rules that violate local or federal laws. In addition associations must obtain necessary permits for landscaping activities and ensure compliance with any state or municipal regulations governing community associations.
Environmental Awareness
Embracing environmentally friendly practices is becoming increasingly important in landscaping. HOA boards can promote sustainability initiatives such as water conservation, native plant landscaping, and eco-friendly pest control methods.
Budgeting
The association is responsible for creating a comprehensive landscaping plan aligned with the community's vision and preferences. This plan typically includes elements such as lawn care, tree maintenance, flowerbeds, and common area beautification. On top of that, the board must allocate funds from the budget for landscaping projects, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to maintain and enhance the community's green spaces.
Engagement and Communication Strategies with Residents
Keeping homeowners informed is important when it comes to any decisions the board makes, and landscaping is no exception. Whether it's discussing landscaping projects, addressing concerns, or soliciting feedback, effective communication isn’t just about isn’t just about sharing information, it’s also about keeping homeowners engaged and satisfied. Below, we’ve pout together several strategies that boards can use to communicate with homeowners about the community’s landscaping needs.
Community Surveys and Feedback Forms
Boards should consider soliciting input from residents through community surveys or feedback forms specifically tailored to landscaping preferences and priorities. Inquire about preferred plant species, desired landscaping themes, maintenance preferences, and any specific concerns or suggestions regarding current landscaping practices. Analyzing survey data provides valuable insights into resident preferences, enabling the association to make informed decisions and tailor landscaping initiatives to meet community expectations.
Social Media
Use digital communication channels, such as social media platforms and community websites, to keep residents informed about landscaping initiatives, project updates, and upcoming events. Share photos and progress reports of landscaping projects, solicit feedback through online polls or comment sections, and provide links to resources related to gardening tips, plant care, and landscaping trends. One of the best things about social media is that it is a collaborative environment where people can engage with the board. Communicating with homeowners through digital platforms enables convenient access to information and encourages ongoing participation in landscaping discussions.
Volunteer Opportunities and Committees
Although landscaping common areas is the board’s responsibility, there still may be opportunities for residents to get involved. For example, some associations may have a committee where residents can volunteer to have a more active role in landscaping projects. When residents participate, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and respsonbility for maintaining the community’s beautiful landscaping.
Regular Updates
Maintain open lines of communication with residents by providing regular updates on landscaping projects, maintenance schedules, and any changes to landscaping policies or procedures. Adopt an open door policy by encouraging homeowners to reach out with questions, suggestions, or concerns regarding landscaping issues. Keep in mind that communication isn’t just a one way street. It’s important for the association to demonstrate responsiveness by promptly addressing inquiries and addressing feedback.
Utilizing Technology and Resources
Technology and landscaping probably aren’t things that most people think about at the same time, but that’s about to change. Technology can actually be very useful in helping an HOA handle its landscaping responsibilities. Here are some of the ways associations can integrate technology:
Smart Irrigation Systems
Investing in smart irrigation systems equipped with weather sensors and programmable controls can optimize water usage and promote sustainability. These systems automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, minimizing water waste and reducing utility costs.
Online Portals and Apps
Implement online portals or mobile apps that allow residents to access landscaping-related information, submit maintenance requests, and provide feedback on landscaping preferences. These digital platforms enhance communication between residents and the board, facilitating transparency and community engagement in landscaping decisions. For example, RealManage’s property management software makes it easy for board members and homeowners to access important association information 24/7.
Project Management Software
Project management software allows boards to streamline tasks such as scheduling maintenance, tracking expenses, and communicating with contractors. With features like task assignment and progress tracking, board members can ensure that landscaping projects stay on schedule and within budget. Plus, project management software allows for easy collaboration between board members and landscaping professionals.
While the board’s landscaping responsibilities may seem overwhelming, that doesn’t have to be the case. At RealManage, we understand the challenges board members face when it comes to maintaining beautiful and functional landscaping. Our team of professionals is dedicated to alleviating the burden by offering comprehensive solutions tailored to your community's needs. From assisting the board in finding qualified vendors to ensuring landscaping schedules are maintained, RealManage has you covered!
