In the suburbs, green is everything. And there are no groups more important to the look and feel of the suburban landscape than homeowners’ associations. Their decisions and visions often matter more to residents than local government on a day to day basis. Landscaping is a huge part of any HOA’s budget, and can greatly enhance a community. Just as an attractive yard is important for curb appeal at your home, neat, well-tended common areas are essential for an HOA.

Why Does Hiring the Right Landscaper Matter for an HOA?

There’s little or nothing your association can do that will boost property values as much as high-quality landscaping. That’s why the Community Associations Institute (the trade group for HOAs) says that maintaining common areas is one of an HOA’s core roles– and finding the right landscaper is key to success. Developing inviting community spaces through landscaping creates a virtuous cycle of maintenance throughout the community. Attractive public spaces inspire individual homeowners to give extra care to their own properties. Community and private curb appeal spreads, and property values increase and stay high. Here are some of the community spaces that matter most:

  • Entrances: Your community’s entrance is where curb appeal comes into play, just like in your front yard. It’s the first spot that visitors and prospective buyers will see, so design and detail are key.
  • Common Areas: If the entrance is your community’s front yard, common areas are the back yard. Residents and prospective residents crave inviting areas to relax with friends and neighbors, so well-maintained turf, shade trees and great design features are all necessary.
  • Recreation Areas: suburban families need safe and attractive spaces for children and adults to exercise and play, whether it’s plantings near bike paths or safe, clean mulch at playgrounds.

What Should My HOA Look for in a Landscaping Company?

Finding a responsive full-service company is the most important consideration. It’s more efficient, more cost-effective and more productive to deal with one company for all your landscaping/maintenance needs. These days, hiring a few guys to mow just won’t cut it for any association. Your HOA deserves a contractor who can meet all of your needs from mowing and edging to design and plant selection, along with mulching, planting, weeding and tree care. Rather than a couple of zero turns, your HOA landscaper should offer an eye for design. CAI also points out that experience with disease treatment and environmentally sensitive chemical use are boxes your board should check.

What Questions Should My HOA Board Consider When Choosing a Landscaper?

Experience is essential when it comes to choosing a landscaper for your HOA. Here are some important considerations when making this big decision:

  • Make sure the company has worked on a large scale involving multiple trades or can provide various services you will need.
  • Get references and visit other communities where the landscaper has worked to make sure they share your vision and offer solid execution.
  • Make sure that the landscaping company is easy to communicate with. Schedule a face to face meeting and get to know the leadership team and staff before making a final decision.

What Guidelines Should My HOA Follow When Contracting a Landscaper?

The CAI offers several guidelines for making sure you get the best possible service:

  • Make sure your request for proposals offers clear guidelines for what your community needs and expects as part of any landscaping contract.
  • Make sure your contract is “clear and comprehensive” and have your HOA attorney review the final document.
  • Confirm the company’s insurance status.
  • Request and review the company’s environmental responsibility track record.

Why HOAs Choose Acer Landscape Services

Our extensive experience with commercial and HOA clients gives Acer Landscape Services the edge. We know that just as a gorgeous front yard is important to our residential clients, attractive community spaces matter to our association clients. Our experienced and responsive crews are the number one secret to our success, with skills in all areas of design, installation and maintenance. We’ve got everything covered, from mowing to irrigation and stormwater control, from stonework to tree surgery. We can help your HOA with a new project or keep existing landscapes looking their best so that all of your community spaces feel like home.