Maintenance committees preserve and enhance the physical environment of all common areas, including landscaping. They may select and maintain community exterior features like fountains, benches or parklands as well as flowers, shrubs, trees and grass. This committee’s work depends on the climate, the preferences of the association members and the funds in the budget. In some communities, the landscape or maintenance committee chair is the association liaison to the various landscaping and service contractors.
When embarking on a new landscaping project or major landscape renovation, consider hiring a design professional to prepare drawings, obtain cost estimates and recommend suppliers. The drawings will help the committee, board members and residents picture the proposed changes and make a decision. Other roles for the landscape committee include:
- Educate homeowners about the need for and value of good landscaping. It’s expensive, but homeowners are rewarded in curb appeal.
- Develop requests for proposals and monitor landscape contractors.
- Verify their licenses, insurance and compliance with state requirements.
- Develop landscape specifications and maintenance schedules.