One of the HOA’s primary responsibilities is care of the community’s outdoor areas. This means hiring the best landscape company for your community. Here is important information for board members regarding hiring a commercial landscape company for your HOA in NJ.
The Homeowners Association (HOA) is responsible for managing, running, and maintaining a community. When things run smoothly, homeowners might not give the HOA much thought. But if problems arise, such as a disruption in garbage pickup, complaints come pouring in.
Why Landscaping Matters So Much
Landscape maintenance not only enhances the day-to-day lives of homeowners—it also affects the perceived value of their condominium or townhouse.
Poor maintenance of outdoor areas will not only make residents irritated and unhappy—it will also decrease the value of their largest investment—their home.
Steps to Hiring the Best Landscape Company
Assess Your Needs
First, the HOA board should determine the services they expect from the landscaper. Some of these services are obvious, such as lawn, shrub, and flower maintenance. But be sure to think ahead and include other services you’ll want in the future.
These may include:
- Adding outdoor lighting
- Sealing walkways and parking lots
- Power washing
- Redesigning landscaping
- Regrading landscape
- Fixing or replacing irrigation systems
HOAs benefit from hiring a landscape company that provides many services. You’ll most likely get a good price on future services since you already contract work from them. Not to mention paperwork and start-up time will be considerably shorter.
Pay Attention to Lawn and Garden Services
Look for a landscaper who specializes in your local area. An experienced local landscaper knows how to maintain your lawn and gardens properly. They understand the climate and soil conditions.
Your new landscaping company should be an expert in these maintenance tasks:
- Lawn care
- Reseeding and overseeding
- Weeding
- Mulching
- Leaf and debris removal
- Plant selection
- Installing sod
- Tree care
- Shrub and flower care
A landscaper also needs a good eye for design. Attractive landscaping isn’t an accident—it’s an art.
Good landscape designers will recommend plants and grasses that will thrive in your landscape and climate—and delight residents.
Plant and lawn maintenance performed by inexperienced landscapers can cause dying lawns, drooping flowers, and sickly shrubs.
Don’t Forget About the Snow
Winters can be harsh—especially in New Jersey. Our average yearly snowfall in the northern part of the state is about 34 inches, with Central Jersey not far behind at about 28 inches.
Careful and complete snow removal is important for all New Jersey residents. No one wants to have their car plowed in by careless snow removal crews, or need to wait hours after the storm until they can finally move their car.
A landscaper with snow management services will keep your property safe and accessible in the winter.
Their services should include:
- Snow plowing
- Sidewalk shoveling
- De-icing of walking surfaces
- Snow hauling to preserve parking spaces
- Around the clock snow clearing services
Create a List of Local Landscapers
The board should start a list of landscape companies to contact.
If there’s a similar property with landscaping you have long admired, contact their HOA to see who works for them. Your own community residents may also have recommendations for you.
Research landscapers online. Visit their websites for services and to see images of their work. Online reviews can be helpful, but personal recommendations carry considerable weight. If many reviews are critical, it’s probably a good idea to move on.
Finally, have a list of five companies for your HOA board to request proposals from. Companies may meet with board members.
Ask for a Proposal
Contact each landscaper with a request for proposal (RFP). The RFP details all the information you need from them and makes it easy to compare options once they submit proposals.
Don’t forget to ask for local referrals. (This way you can visit the property and examine their work firsthand.)
Proposals should be in writing and include:
- Their schedule for maintenance tasks
- Project specifics
- Payment details
- Other services they offer
- Insurance coverage
- Licenses and permits
Resist the temptation to go immediately with the cheapest service. The cost of correcting landscaping mistakes will far outweigh any money originally saved.
Schedule a Walk-Through
- Do they have experience with HOAs and what services they offer?
- Do they have a wide range of services, such as land clearing, drainage and grading, and design?
- Can they do work on demand?
- Can they solve problems with your landscape?
- What recommendations do they have to improve your property?
- How do they train their staff?
- Do they work for other similar properties?
- What is their experience?
- How and how often will they communicate with the board?
- Can a company representative come to the board meetings when invited?
- What makes their company outstanding?
Their Good Attitude Is Essential
Some landscape companies are more accommodating than others. Attitude should be a major consideration in the board’s decision.
Get to know the company’s leadership team and staff. Determine whether they will be easy to work with and respond quickly to your phone calls.
Your landscape company must be:
- Easy to work with
- Responsive to your needs
- Dependable
- Dedicated to taking care of your property
Once board members decide on a company, a lawyer should draw up a contract.
Landscape Solutions offers comprehensive landscape design and property maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. Contact us to learn more.
