Landscaping specifications for Homeowner and Neigbhorhood Associations

AboutMyHOA.com

Landscape Specifications

Some of the information has been Used with permission of Regenesis.net

Developer Transition Landscape Specs

Newsletter Hints HOA State Statutes Robert's Rules

Landscaping is one of a homeowner association's biggest assets and demands proper care. Here is a sample set of specifications geared for northern climates that can be adapted to your use or to solicit landscape contractor proposals.

Turf Maintenance & Mowing

All turf areas shall be inspected and policed for litter and debris prior to each mowing.
Irrigated lawns: All turf is to be mowed weekly March through October, with an additional three mowings in November and one in February, for a total of 38 mowings in the year.
Mowing height for all irrigated lawn areas shall be no less than 1 ½" and not to exceed 2 ½" between mowings. The turf shall be cut at a uniform height (no scalping and uneven cutting). Mower blades shall be maintained in a good condition for an even cut. Excess clippings shall be collected for neat appearance and to prevent damage to turf.

Edging

All sidewalks, curb lines, concrete slabs and planting bed edges shall be mechanically edged as needed to maintain a neat, clean appearance (approximately twice per month). Low visibility areas such as road shoulders, outlying tree circles, bed edges, etc., may be chemically contained, but at no time will there be more than ½ inch of visual desiccated plant growth along the contained areas

Trimming or Weed Eating

Trimming shall be performed around all road signs, guard posts, trees, shrubs, utility poles and other obstacles paying special care to not damage trees and shrubs. The grass to be trimmed shall not be trimmed to less than the desired height of cut determined by the mowing operation.

Turf Fertilization

Applications of fertilizers shall be carried out throughout the year to maintain proper nutrient levels.
Turf shall be fertilized with a well-balanced slow-release fertilizer a minimum of five times per year applying 8 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year to maintain a consistent, lush green appearance.

Weed Control of Turf Areas

Contractor shall provide monitor continuously for weed infestations and shall take timely measures to treat them with appropriate herbicide.
All precautions shall be taken in the handling and application of all sprays as stated on the herbicide label and state approved guidelines, if any. One application with follow up applications as required to attain a kill of 90% of broadleaf weeds shall be required.

Sweep/Blow Walks

At the conclusion of each visit, walks adjacent to work areas are to be swept or blown clean.

Shrub Bed Maintenance

All grounds will be policed weekly for weeds and debris.
All planter beds, tree circles, sidewalk cracks, etc., are to be sprayed once per month to control weeds. Chemical herbicide are not a substitute for hand-weeding required for complete removal.
All planter beds are to have two applications of pre-emergence herbicide per year. Pre-emergence herbicides shall be of the non-leaching type with minimal soil contaminating levels.
All planter beds in high traffic areas will be raked through once per quarter to remove debris and promote an attractive appearance.
Fertilizing of all shrubs to be done two times yearly, trees once per year and ground cover two times per year with a well-balanced slow release type fertilizer.

Pruning

Minimal pruning shall be done only to enhance natural growth. Tree pruning is limited to 12 feet. Dead, damaged and diseased portions of the plant will be removed. All cuts shall be flush and clean, leaving no stubs or tearing of bark. All major pruning shall be done following flowering or during plant’s dormant season. Emergency or minor pruning shall be done when needed.
Provide remedial attention and repair to shrubs and trees as appropriate by season or in response to incidental damage.
Maintain tree alignment by guy wiring or staking and periodically check all ties to ensure against injury to the cambium layer. Remove guys when they are no longer necessary.
Prune shrubbery to maintain proper size in relationship to adjacent plantings and intended function.
Prune trees as required, subject to 12 foot height limit, removing weak branching patterns and maintaining balance of head growth development. Remove lower limbs when obstructing vehicular or pedestrian clearances, or when in conflict with plantings beneath.
Prune groundcover plantings as required to restrain perimeter growth to within planting bed areas where adjacent to walks and curbs. Tip prune selected branches of low growing shrub or groundcover masses to maintain even overall heights and promote fullness.

Leaf & Debris Removal

Removal of all leaves from all lawns, planter beds and walkways will be completed throughout the year as needed to maintain a clean appearance throughout.

Pest Control

On a monthly schedule, treat for fungus and pests.

Irrigation Equipment & Operation

Establish time setting and intervals of irrigation water application for each value of all irrigation zones. Make changes when necessary to correspond to variable watering requirements for lawn or planting areas.
Observe operation of all irrigating heads at least once each operating month. Check for coverage and plugged heads; balance system and clean heads as required to maintain system in proper working order.
Perform necessary site visits and observations to maintain the proper amounts of moisture in soils to promote healthy and vigorous plant growth. Correct conditions of over or under watering as may be determined by weekly observations during the irrigation season.
Shut-off and completely drain systems no later than November lst. Turn off all main supply valves, open all manual drain valves; gravity drain and bleed valves on backflow prevention devices. Perform winterization prior to specified dates in the event of earlier freezing weather.
Activate irrigation systems during first week of April. Operate and observe all portions of the system and perform necessary rebalancing, cleaning, or other work required to re-establish proper irrigation functions.
Repair and/or replacement for any work damaged or otherwise affected by causes beyond Contractor’s control is the responsibility of the owner.

Exclusions The parties expressly agree that the following work will not be performed by Contactor unless contracted for on a separate basis:

Trimming of trees over 12 feet tall.
Cleaning and/or repairing from acts of vandalism, natural disorders, or acts of God. (Example; freeze, wind, fire, etc.)
Bark dust is an extra which will be applied at a cost per unit including labor.

Additional Services Provided for Fee

Pest control
Parking lot and street sweeping
Pavement maintenance
Storm debris cleanup
Gutter cleaning
Turf aeration and thatching
Flowers
Tree and shrub planting
Bark dusting, chipping or mulch.