Maintaining common areas is one of the board’s most basic responsibilities. To fulfill that responsibility, the board has contracted with a professional landscaping company. Before signing the contract, the board seeks bids from several potential companies, carefully considers the competence and expertise of each company, checks references, and compares fees.
These fees may seem like an added—or even unnecessary—expense; but, in the long run, the additional cost will be less than the losses an association may face without professional help. Consider the advantages:
Professional Expertise
It takes more than a green thumb to maintain attractive and functional landscaping. The contractor employs professional staff and trains the labor crew routinely. This expertise translates into a cost-effective and successful landscape maintenance program for a community. Infinity Management works with professional landscapers to create a landscaping plan that places sustainability at the forefront in order to minimize environmental and association costs.
Bulk Purchase Savings
Landscape contractors purchase plants and supplies in bulk quantities at reduced prices and pass the savings along to community associations. The savings have a direct effect on the assessments.
No Equipment to Buy or Maintain
Most associations do not have to purchase, store, insure, maintain, or buy fuel for equipment. These costs are absorbed by the landscape contractor at a much lower cost than one single association.
Improved Plant Survival
Trees, turf, shrubs, and other plantings are costly. Without proper care, they don’t survive, especially immediately after installation. The landscaper guarantees newly planted shrubs and trees, so the association does not have to pay for replacing dead plants.
Reduced Liability
The association’s landscape contractor is properly insured and knowledgeable about—and in compliance with—all local and federal environmental requirements and safety regulations. The contract shifts responsibility to the contractor and reduces the association’s liability.
Landscaping is very important to the community’s quality of life and its image and value. Maintaining it can be very expensive. Is it worth what the association pays for these services? Yes! In fact, failing to invest in professional landscape maintenance is a false economy because curb appeal makes neighborhoods desirable and contributes to the value of homes.
Contact us today for more information about contracting for professional landscaping.