Tips for Preparing Community Association Landscaping for Summer

Keeping your association's landscaping neat is important through the year, but can be even more important in the summer when residents are more likely to be using outdoor public spaces. Summer landscaping preparation should be done in late spring and early summer each year. Here are some tips:

Summer Landscaping

1. Evaluate your irrigation system and check it for leaks. If you live somewhere with water restrictions, consider replacing any part of your irrigation system that is older. Older systems use more water. Also, it might be a good time to consider whether you really need all of that water-hungry glass. Change your irrigation clock from winter to summer timing.
2. Check pools, spas and BBQs. Make sure that community grills are clean and function correctly (before somebody comes to complain in the middle of their cookout). Check that all signs are readable and up to date. Clean pools and spas and use whatever treatments are needed before pool season starts. Fences around dog parks and playgrounds should also be checked and repaired if necessary. Gates should swing freely and be properly secured.
3. Do spring planting. Make sure that you check each plant you use so they are planted at the right time. If in doubt, ask a landscape contractor to take care of it. Choose climate appropriate plants. When you can use native plants, do so, as they will handle local conditions better. When planting around the parking lot, use ornamental grasses and other "heat sinking" plants.
4. Let grass grow taller in drought or dry conditions. Allow lawn areas to reach the optimum height for the grass being used rather than cutting them almost to the soil. This reduces heat and drought stress on grass and thus the risk of brown patches developing. This is particularly important for areas that are used by children or for exercising animals, where stress is often put on the grass.
5. Mulch everything. Mulching in early summer protects the soil from drying out and regulates the soil temperature, reducing stress on your plants and speeding growth. If in doubt, ask your landscaper about exactly when specific plants and beds will benefit the most from a layer of mulch.
6. If you had heavy snow, then remove sand and salt with a wake from areas that ended up being used as snow storage. Reseed with compost and loam if snow removal has caused damage to lawns and perennials.
7. Check and maintain seating areas. Replace damaged or unsafe benches or tables. Check playground equipment for safety and bring out any items, such as seat cushions and parasols, that were stored inside for the winter. Fountains should also be checked for clogs. Make sure that your community's outdoor spaces are ready for use and are safe.
8. Prune and trim flowering plants and trees as necessary. Always apply fertilizer after pruning to help the plant recover and produce the desired new growth. Make sure to trim trees back from rights of way and benches so they are usable without anyone having to duck or dodge branches.
9. Check for pests. Make sure you know what pests show up in your area and on the plants and trees you have. Apply pesticides and other controls as necessary, and provide fertilizer to pest-stressed plants and trees. Consider natural pest control methods as much as possible, especially around dog parks and children's playgrounds.

The Bottom Line

Getting your landscaping and outdoor community spaces ready for summer is part of your responsibility as an association. Residents will appreciate well-planted landscaping and usable outdoor spaces that they and their family can enjoy, and it is a good opportunity to show them what they are getting for their dues.

Sources:

https://www.thegardencontinuum.com/blog/15-tips-tricks-to-help-prepare-your-commercial-landscape-for-summer-and-winter-months

http://www.hivelylandscapes.com/blog/2018/05/preparing-your-landscape-for-summer/

http://www.chrisjameslandscaping.com/preparing-nj-commercial-landscaping-summer-heat/

http://countryboypestcontrol.com/timing-is-everything-preparing-your-landscape-for-spring-and-summer/