Planting trees is a natural, easy way to beautify the landscape of any community. Shared common areas and privately-owned properties within an HOA are often dotted with trees of varying shapes and sizes, and the effect is, for the most part, appreciated by all who live there. However, it’s not uncommon that, for one reason […]
The (Tree) Root of the Problem: Who is Responsible when Tree Roots and Branches Cause Damage? (FL)
They say good fences make good neighbors. But trees, on the other hand, have been known to strain the relationship between neighbors. Damage and disruption amongst neighboring lot owners, caused by tree roots and branches, is a very common problem in Florida. Not surprisingly, Florida courts have addressed this issue and have carved out a […]
Don’t Just Trim the Trees — Managing Your HOA’s Urban Forest
Whether you’re the manager of a four-plex with 2 trees, or the on-site manager of a master planned community with 10,000 of them (yes, we have those in SoCal), you my friend are responsible for managing an urban forest (add that to your business card!). Read the article………………………
Golf carts could be legal on main roads in a local neighborhood (LA)
Driving a golf cart seems like it would be an easy thing. Get in the cart, drive it like normal, and go on about your daily life. However, right now, driving golf carts on the main road within the Frenchman’s Bend community is illegal. Read the article……………………….
Johnson County looks to replace concrete neighborhood roads with asphalt (IN)
Johnson County officials are looking for ways to solve an aging eyesore in several Center Grove area subdivisions — crumbling concrete roads. Residents in the Willow Lakes subdivision recently brought photos and samples of the broken roads before the Johnson County Commissioners. Several neighbors in the development have been complaining for years about the deteriorating […]
When to Start Your Community Association Paving Project
Before starting on a community association paving project, it is important to understand what the various asphalt services are, as well as when and why you should apply them. Understanding this will save you money and ensure that your homeowners are happy and the curb value of your community remains high. Read the article……………………….
Feeding the Wildlife. Why It Is A Problem?
It may seem arbitrary, but many community associations institute a policy against bird feeders, or any outdoor animal feeding, but there reasoning is sound. There are many reasons why feeding the stray animals in your neighborhood could be a bad move, not only for your community but for the animals as well. Read the […]
What’s Up with All This Traffic? The Impact of Neighboring Development on Community Association Roads (FL)
Whether you know it or not, the roads traveling through your subdivision are likely easements created for the purpose of providing ingress/egress access to public streets. And whether you know it or not, those easements may also benefit neighboring properties, giving them access through your subdivision to a point of entry on a public road. […]
Every HOA Needs a Gardening Policy for Planting in Common Areas
Each year many owners want their beautification efforts to extend beyond their private yards. Without a gardening policy for common areas, an HOA is likely to experience one of two undesirable outcomes. The HOA board has to take on the time-consuming task of approving plantings on a case-by-case basis. Read the article…………………..
Condo column: Board has discretion to make landscaping decisions (FL)
Q: Our condominium association Board is getting bids to remove some palm trees on the border of the property, which happen to sit behind my unit, and they provide shade and privacy to my unit. It is my understanding that the Board can’t do this without my consent. Is this true? Read the Q&A…………………………
What is Smart Irrigation & Why Your HOA Should Invest in This Latest Technology
Advances in smart home technology provide convenience while at the same time saving you money and helping the environment. This technology is especially useful when it comes to landscaping and green spaces. Part of the growing Internet of Things (IoT) that connect devices to the internet, systems such as Smart Irrigation Controllers can help the […]
Concerns raised over mosquito spraying in Longmont area neighborhood without notice to residents (CO)
A mosquito spraying operation Tuesday night in an unincorporated Weld County neighborhood, just outside Longmont city limits, prompted one man to raise concerns about why he and his fellow residents weren’t notified in advance of the fogging. Meanwhile, the company in charge of the fogging said it was a precautionary measure based on the number […]
“Read the rules”: Myrtle Beach real estate expert weighs in on neighborhood landscaping disputes (SC)
A real estate expert says it’s common for homeowners to deal with their neighbors crossing onto their property to cut trees or plants that aren’t theirs. Two Horry County neighbors are currently dealing with this type of situation, and News13 spoke with real estate expert Blake Sloan with Sloan Realty Group to discover how homeowners […]
Why your Customers Need a Pavement Report
Pavement reports based upon the MICROpaver or PCI (pavement condition index) system have been around for years. These reports are widely used in large municipalities and federal organizations; however, they have not been fully adopted by the commercial and residential world. This problem is the result of the high upfront costs the reports may require […]
Clueless lady who planted bamboo worst. Neighbor. Ever. (TX)
Q: We are in an HOA, and one of our neighbors has planted bamboo. It’s spreading into yards on both sides of her house. She says we just need to mow it down and that hot weather will kill it, but it’s now pushing the fences down. What can we do to eliminate it? Read […]
Tips for Refreshing Curb Appeal
With spring about to give way to summer, now’s a great time for homeowners to work on a few simple improvement projects that’ll wow anyone who visits your community. While it can be costly to replace siding, fencing, or to paint an entire home, members can make other significant improvements without much cost or work. […]
Landscapers: the good, the bad and the troublemakers (CT)
It’s that time of year…finally!!! It’s been a long winter and the residents are tired of being indoors. With the snow gone, the lawn and gardens are on full display. Are you happy with the landscaper? Many times, things do not go as planned with a landscaper. Promises are made to get you to sign […]
Landscape Contracts (CO)
As spring is officially here, many associations are obtaining proposals from contractors for seasonal lawn care and other maintenance services. This article is intended to highlight certain contract terms and issues that boards should consider before signing a landscaping service contract. For more information on general contract terms we recommend for effective vendor contracts……. […]
Spring Landscaping Ideas for Buildings (IL)
It’s hard to believe that we’ve survived yet another Chicago winter! For property management companies, spring means two things: assessing any potential damage done by the winter weather, and diving headfirst into spring landscaping. Here are four aspects of spring landscaping we look to first: Read the article……………………
What a Wildlife Biologist has to say about Geese removal
Columbia County Homeowners are upset with the way their Homeowner’s Association is handling the removal of Canada Geese. Experts say the HOA Board is valid in their decisions. Wildlife Biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, I.B. Parnell, says, “the Homeowner’s Association’s president had a permit to remove 20 geese because of the nuisance […]
Ask the HOA Expert: Pruning Perfection
Landscaping is a homeowner association asset that can and should improve with age. However, diligent attention is required in order to make this happen. Skilled maintenance work, along with occasional and ongoing improvement work are essential. Read the article……………………
Is Sealcoating Worth It?
Some professionals believe that sealants protect and preserve asphalt surfaces, while others feel that sealants simply create layers of buildup that eventually contribute to cracking and water damage. This begs the question of whether sealcoating is truly necessary and, if so, is it worth it? Sealcoating can protect the asphalt from direct contact with: […]
Is my landscaper in breach of contract? (FL)
Q: Our common area landscaping is being neglected. The sod is not growing, and the hedges are being neglected. The Board claims they are “stuck” with this landscaper for another 12 months. What do they mean? Read the Q&A……………………..
Pothole Patrol: What community associations can do to maintain pavement
It’s that time of year again, when rain, snow, and changing temperatures cause potholes to form, wreaking havoc on roadways, parking lots, and driveways. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), pothole damages cost U.S. motorists roughly $3 billion per year. On a per-pothole-incident basis that comes out to about $300 per driver. Additionally, AAA […]
Snow and Ice Removal Tips (IL)
Chicago’s recent record-breaking cold temperatures presented associations with challenges and questions, which may not have been at the forefront of the board’s attention. These extreme cold temperatures may have left associations dealing with issues arising from burst or frozen water pipes. While not all associations had to deal with such severe scenarios last week, almost […]
Getting smart with latest irrigation tech
For a long time, advancements with irrigation controllers were spurred by the needs of contractors. Today, homeowners’ needs play a stronger role, Porrazzo says. “Homeowners are getting much more knowledgeable and are starting to dictate what products are being put in the home or in the ground,” he says. “Every homeowner wants to have Alexa […]
Subdivision deals with those buggery Live Oaks (FL)
Deep-rooted trees like live oaks are best near sidewalks. Or so the conventional landscaper thinking goes. But as Willow Chase subdivision residents, and others like the Venetian Golf and River Club, have learned, there are caveats. One: there needs to be adequate soil volume. Two: placing them between the curb and sidewalks or next to […]
Tips for Winter Landscaping HOA Common Areas (TX)
Winter landscaping is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of the season. From adding shrubs that produce a pop of color to focusing on hardscapes—like benches and garden structures—you can make your HOA common areas beautiful and inviting this winter. Use the following tips to get started: Read the article………………
How to Properly Winterize Your Community Association. A Primer for Condo, Townhome and HOA Association Board Members (IL)
Chicago winters are unpredictable, and you just never know what is in store for us. Sometimes, the winter is unseasonably mild with little snow fall and temperatures often in the 50’s. Those winters feel like a cross between Spring and Fall. Whereas during other winters, old man winter slams us with harsh subzero temperatures and […]
HOA Plantscaping Done Right
For many homeowner associations, landscaping is a major maintenance and expense item. This is especially true of older HOAs that were built when land was cheaper. That broad expanse of grass may be nice to look at, but it rarely gets much use and costs a bundle to maintain. If your HOA’s landscaping is looking […]
Shade can ease heat, but one neighborhood finds trees are just part of the solution (AZ)
Don McNeil walks the tree-lined streets of Westbrook Village in Peoria to keep his blood pressure down, but hotter weather limits his daily outings. He suffered several strokes two years ago, which stymied his body’s ability to regulate heat. Since then, he’s become more passionate about rising temperatures due to climate change and heat-absorbing urban […]
Choosing Florida Friendly Landscaping in an HOA Community?
During the first part of today’s show we were exploring the ways people can reduce the amount of water and fertilizer they use on their yards in order to reduce their environmental footprint, and not contribute to the harmful algal blooms we’re seeing in local waters. But, what if you live in a community that […]
Tips for Preparing Community Association Landscaping for Summer
Evaluate your irrigation system and check it for leaks. If you live somewhere with water restrictions, consider replacing any part of your irrigation system that is older. Older systems use more water. Also, it might be a good time to consider whether you really need all of that water-hungry glass. Change your irrigation clock from […]
A Tree Inventory for Your Community: The Benefits of Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Do you manage a community association with numerous and/or aging trees? Chances are, you‘ve had to contend with unexpected tree care costs, and perhaps damage to structures or other property resulting from failed tree limbs. You want to head off future problems and preserve the beauty of your community’s treescape. But where to begin?. Read […]
Preparing your HOA Landscaping and Amenities for Spring
Spring is on the way and it is time to make sure that your HOA common areas are ready for the season. Soon, flowers will be budding, the leaves will be returning, and significantly more people will be enjoying your outdoor amenities. In this post, we’ll go over some of the things you’ll need to […]
What to Inspect During a Spring Maintenance Inspection
As winter comes to a close, there’s no better time to inspect your community than during sunny spring days. The board or council and the building maintenance committee are encouraged to take advantage of spring inspections to give themselves a jump start on their community upkeep and prepare for the rest of the year by […]
How To Ensure Streets Are Maintained In Your HOA
HOAs are responsible for a variety of tasks within a community of homes, villas, apartments, or even condos. One of the responsibilities that an HOA will face within a community is to ensure that the roads are appropriately maintained throughout the neighborhood or development. This includes the maintenance that is required, over time, on the […]
Snow Removal in Community Associations: Why Having a Plan is Important
Mother Nature is often unpredictable, especially when it comes to snow. For community associations, having a snow removal plan in place before the first flurry hits the ground is just smart and good business. Many members will believe their street is a top priority when in fact, the main road takes top priority. Clear communication […]
HOA Spring Landscaping: It’s Not Just Trimming the Trees (AZ)
Spring is just around the corner. How’s your landscaping? Now is the best time to look at the “spring cleaning” matters in landscaping. Do your plants just need trimming maintenance? Arizona Municipal Water Association gives these easy tips for how to prune which plants, properly. They also have a handy maintenance schedule you can follow. […]
Mowing HOA Common Areas: The Sheep Solution
Lawn maintenance is a serious area of concern in many HOAs. Not only does everyone have an opinion about how the yards of the members should look, keeping common areas looking their best is important to the board and most of the homeowners. Many HOAs and private owners are turning to a unique solution to […]
Exterior Lighting for Community Associations: 3 Important Benefits
Exterior lighting plays an important role when it comes to the safety, crime prevention, and the aesthetics of a community association. When properly done with just the right amount of lights and wattage, exterior lighting is a valuable tool in keeping members safe from falls and thieves. It is also valuable in relaying to non-members […]
Cleaning Up Fall Lawns
With winter right around the corner, it’s time to clean up as fall winds down. While the changing of leaves is beautiful, those vibrant leaves are likely scattered across your lawn, in your gutters, flowerbeds, or the street drains. The best way to protect your community this winter is to keep your lawn tidy, and […]
Winterization Tips for Condos
The last week saw high winds, power outages, and colder temperatures sweep into the Pacific Northwest, announcing that winter is on its way. For condominium owners, cold weather brings a variety of risks that, if left unaddressed, can impact not just their own unit, but the units of their neighbors. Thankfully, there are a number […]
HOA Landscape – Consult Experts Before Making a Decision
When running a HOA, you often have to make a lot of decisions about how to upkeep the neighborhood – without building the kind of resentment that gives HOAs a bad name. Overall landscaping of the neighborhood is something everyone notices. HOA landscape guidelines should balance the needs of the community between aesthetics and harmony. […]
Homeowners Association Safety Tips for Winter Roads and Trips (CA)
Do you live in a homeowners association where snowy weather leads to snow plowing your private roads during the winter months? Preparedness is paramount when it comes to being on the road. With an increased risk of potential driving hazards like sleet, snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures, it’s a good idea to think about […]
Weeding Out Your Yard
Nothing ruins a beautiful, well-manicured summer lawn like weeds. From those ugly ones that have thorn-like leaves to the tall, unsightly ones that demand to be seen, weeds are an equal opportunity annoyance. As an HOA board, it’s important to remember that one weed here or there isn’t going to hurt curb appeal, but if […]
7 Simple Steps for Preserving Curb Appeal in Homeowner Associations
Anyone who has ever served on the Board of Directors of a Homeowner Association has experienced the frustration of homeowners who fail to mow their lawn regularly or properly maintain their home. “How can they do that?” you may ask, “when they agreed to abide by their rules when they purchased their home in our […]
Preparing Your HOA Community For Fall
As August progresses and summer draws to a close, many communities are entering into a crucial time of transition for their properties and residents. While temperatures may still be still be hovering comfortably in the 80s, August is a perfect time to assess your HOA and prepare it for the fall and early winter seasons. […]
Tips for Preparing HOA Landscaping for Fall
As we move towards fall, many HOAs are starting to consider how to prepare their HOA landscaping and common areas for autumn and winter months. You want your landscaping to look its best, both throughout the fall and winter and when spring arrives again. As a board member of an HOA, there are several things […]
Community Gardens in Your HOA
Community gardens are all the rage right now, and for good reason. Gardening offers people the chance to grow their own food and reap the rewards of hard work and diligence. But beyond that, a community garden offers a group of people the chance to come together and bond over a common interest. If your […]