Managing an HOA on a limited budget means being thoughtful about your HOA community’s landscaping. Here are some dos and don’ts you’ll want to consider before beginning a landscaping project.
Do Hire a Professional
Hiring a professional landscaper ensures that your HOA community is getting someone who is knowledgeable about choosing plants native to your area. They should work with you to design a maintenance plan that keeps your community looking beautiful year-round. The cost of hiring a professional will far outweigh the costs and labor involved in guaranteeing HOA members are adhering to landscape guidelines. It’s a bonus if you hire a landscaper who offers additional services such as spraying for weeds at no additional cost.
Don’t Be Too Formal
Designing a formal landscape can be costly. Choosing the most high-maintenance plants or large shrubbery may look splendid but can cost you more money to maintain or replace in the future. Focus on plants that require minimal to moderate upkeep.
Do Consider Hardscapes
If water conservation is a priority, or you are concerned with pets and children damaging grass, then hardscaping may be worth considering. Hardscaping incorporates small rocks and bricks among plants.
Don’t Work Without a Plan
Before beginning any landscaping project, on your own or with a landscaper, be sure to have a plan in place. A plan should include a checklist of what you want completed and a timeline of what will completed now and in the future. Planning according to your HOA’s budget will help prevent overspending.
Do Avoid Weed Barrier Fabric
Controlling weeds is a top priority for most HOAs, but weed barrier fabric can give you a false sense of security. You want to avoid placing this fabric in gardens or around plants because weeds will eventually grow in the mulch that is placed on top of the fabric. Weed barrier fabric is actually meant to prevent mulch, gravel, and stones from sinking into soil, especially in high foot-traffic areas.
Complete Landscaping is experienced in working with HOAs and can help keep your property in compliance. Learn more about all our landscaping services in Tucson by calling (520) 323-8918.