HOA communities rely on thoughtful and well-maintained landscaping. The curb appeal can attract visitors, the functionality of the shared spaces can improve the resident experience, and safety is always a factor. Whether it’s a pristine lawn or a freshly-trimmed tree, the impact of excellent HOA landscaping is apparent.
In Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, HOA communities are a popular choice, placing a hefty dose of responsibility on the shoulders of property managers and board members. One of the central themes of managing an HOA is properly allocating the budget, and landscaping is a big-ticket item for most communities.
Knowing how much HOA landscaping costs helps you set expectations, budget properly, and keep your HOA community standards as high as possible.
Like any major project, the amount you budget for landscaping costs will depend heavily on multiple factors, including scope, duration, goals, and more.
When considering HOA landscape cost for your community, the first thing to think about is the scale of the project. This consideration is not limited to the physical size of the property, but extends to other aspects of the project. That’s why bigger properties usually require a larger budget, but there are outliers to that generalization.
HOA landscape projects might start from scratch, meaning that they will involve design, planning, implementation, and more to get established and stay beautiful. Other properties might already have strong landscaping foundations and simply need a light refresh and some thoughtful maintenance. The scope of the project will directly impact landscaping costs.
The type of work required to help a property reach its dream potential also influences the budget. Planning and installing a complex smart irrigation system is expensive and time-intensive compared to mowing. The needs of the property and the desires of the HOA community will have a tremendous impact on the HOA landscape cost.
Ultimately, the physical size of the HOA property does matter. It is more expensive to landscape a large property than a small property if all other factors are equal. More workers, more equipment, and more time are all needed to efficiently handle the landscaping needs of a substantially sized HOA property. If your community covers an immense amount of acreage, you should be ready to allocate more of the HOA budget to landscaping.
Different landscaping services demand different budgets. We touched on this briefly already, and it’s a point worth reiterating–not all projects require the same level of planning, investment of time and team members, landscaping equipment, and materials. Tree trimming is a more substantial project than normal lawn care, and irrigation maintenance can be far more complex than pruning a hedge.
The more involved a project is, the more expensive it will be. If it’s a one-time project, that cost can be frontloaded, meaning that it only needs to be factored into your HOA landscape cost once. On the other hand, recurring landscaping services should be included in your regular HOA budget. If your property has specialized needs, you should be prepared to put more of your resources toward landscaping than an HOA community with basic needs would.
“How much does landscaping cost?” is not a question that can be answered without first determining the frequency required to properly maintain your property to the desired standard. The more frequent the maintenance, the higher the landscaping costs. Thankfully, there are choices you can make to reduce how often your HOA property requires maintenance, thereby lowering your overall cost.
This starts with the landscape design phase. Choosing low-maintenance designs, including plants that are hardy and require less attention, is the best place to begin. Whether it’s native plants that thrive in the Tampa Bay area or slow-growing shrubs that seldom demand trimming, the plants that populate your property play a significant role in the level of maintenance your HOA community will need.
Other elements of your landscaping can help reduce HOA landscape costs, as well. Hardscaping, smart irrigation systems, and designing specifically for your property’s unique features can all help reduce maintenance frequency and keep a little extra cash in your pocket.
The size of the property, specific services required, and frequency of maintenance all play a big part in the overall landscaping costs of your HOA community. In order for your property to thrive in terms of beauty, health, and functionality, these and other landscaping factors must remain consistent, but that doesn’t mean you are stuck at the high end of your budget. There are a few ways to effectively budget for HOA landscape costs without sacrificing quality.
Every property is unique, including yours. When designing your HOA landscape, it is important to work with your property, not against it. This means recognizing the nuances and adapting your landscaping strategy to it. You cannot force certain landscaping elements on a property where they are not compatible.
For example, if your property is near the water in Tampa Bay or Clearwater, you should consider plants that are tolerant of salt. Insisting on implementing plants that are salt sensitive will lead to higher maintenance costs, frequent replacement of unhealthy or dying plants, and a larger landscaping bill.
Quality irrigation systems are not cheap, but they are worth every penny in Florida. Not only do good irrigation systems require less maintenance (and alert you to potential issues before they become expensive problems), but they also use innovative technology to save you money. Smart irrigation systems conserve water by accounting for weather and other factors. They also help plants stay healthier by delivering precise amounts of water directly to the correct area.
Over time, that upfront cost will look like a bargain as your water bill stays low and your landscape stays healthy.
If one thing is true in life, it is that relationships matter. Whether they’re personal or professional, the relationships you form with people can influence just about everything. Landscaping is no different. The HOA landscape maintenance company you work with can make or break both your HOA landscape and your budget.
Choosing a partner wisely means looking for someone who will be honest and transparent with you, provide exceptional levels of service, and bring exceptional experience and expertise to your property. For example, Landcrafters has been helping Tampa area properties reach their full potential for over two decades!
If you would like to discuss your HOA landscaping needs, including accomplishing great things within a certain budget, reach out to Landcrafters. With passionate experts ready to lend you landscaping insights and help your property thrive, your HOA community will be on track for success in no time.