6 Minute Read
Struggling with managing your HOA’s landscape? You’re not alone.
From tree trimming to irrigation issues, maintaining a landscape in a large HOA can be challenging to say the least. The stress of managing such a vast property is compounded when landscaping problems arise, especially if the community is actively selling homes.
Let’s explore how Monarch Landscape Management helped the Dellrose community tackle several landscaping challenges, transforming their landscape into a beautiful and well-managed asset.
Dellrose stands out as a master-planned community encompassing over 600 acres in the northeast area of Houston, a region experiencing significant growth. This HOA community is renowned for several unique attributes:
Due to the size and continuous construction at Dellrose, the community was facing several landscaping challenges when we took over the account. Let’s explore a few of these challenges:
Managing the landscaping for a large, master-planned community like Dellrose involves navigating the complexities of ongoing construction and internal growth. Construction impacts the landscape from primary fronts: internal growth, which includes adding new sections to the community, and independent construction projects like building a new elementary school. Both scenarios present unique challenges that we at Monarch had to handle to maintain the aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Independent projects, like the elementary school, add another layer of complexity because these projects are not directly associated with the community and therefore involve multiple companies. This makes efficient communication and coordination key. One of the major issues faced during these independent projects is related to irrigation. Construction activities often require tapping into and turning off water lines, which can disrupt the entire property’s irrigation system. Sometimes water would be left running overnight or completely shut off, leading to significant challenges in maintaining consistent irrigation schedules.
Even simple projects, like installing new light poles, can disrupt and cause havoc to existing landscapes. Construction crews may pull out irrigation lines, fill in dirt, and leave without addressing the damage, which requires immediate attention and repair.
One of the primary challenges Dellrose faced with their previous landscaper was the lack of consistency and proactive issue identification. This inconsistency led to frustration among residents and developers, as landscaping issues often went unnoticed until they became significant problems. A key requirement for a new contractor was someone who could foresee and address landscaping issues before they escalated. The previous contractor’s inability to detect and communicate issues early left the community managing problems reactively.
For Dellrose, maintaining a high standard of landscape upkeep is essential, regardless of the season or weather conditions. As the community is actively selling homes, the landscapes must always look pristine and attractive to potential buyers. Any decline in landscape quality can negatively impact home sales, making consistent upkeep a top priority.
Another landscaping challenge the management team at Dellrose faced was an inefficient irrigation system. This inefficiency was compounded by ongoing construction activities mentioned above. The existing system lacked the capability for proactive management and quick adjustments. When issues arose, they were not often addressed promptly, leading to prolonged periods of inadequate irrigation.
Dellrose also faced a high rate of plant material die-off. Several factors contributed to this issue, including plantings that were initially installed that were not well-suited for the local environment, as well as harsh weather conditions like droughts, freezes, and water restrictions. The diverse soil conditions across the property further complicated the situation, making it difficult for many plants to thrive.
Our team at Monarch implemented a variety of strategies to help address the many landscaping issues the residents at Dellrose were facing.
At Monarch, we understand the importance of having a constant and vigilant presence at Dellrose. The team is scheduled to be on the property multiple days a week, actively monitoring ongoing activities and addressing them promptly. This frequent presence ensures that any disruptions caused by new construction are identified and managed swiftly.
Maintaining open and proactive communication is a cornerstone of our approach to managing Dellrose’s landscape. The account manager holds weekly communication meetings with the developer, providing detailed updates on ongoing work, identifying both positive outcomes and potential problems. This regular dialogue ensures that everyone is informed and on the same page, facilitating a more cohesive management process.
To ensure continuous improvement and address any ongoing issues, we conduct monthly drive-throughs with the developer. These sessions are supported by key team members including branch and production managers.
To address the irrigation inefficiencies at Dellrose, we implemented a state-of-the-art, cloud-based smart irrigation system. This new cutting edge technology provides real-time monitoring and remote control capabilities. This feature allows for immediate identification and resolution of any disruptions without the need for an on-site intervention. The ability to manage the system remotely ensures that irrigation issues can be addressed swiftly, maintaining the health and appearance of the landscape.
The smart irrigation system also allows for quick adjustments based on specific events, such as community gatherings by the pool. By leveraging real-time weather data, the smart irrigation system optimizes water usage. This precision ensures that plants receive the appropriate amount of water, promoting both their health and sustainability.
The improvements made with the smart irrigation system have had a significant positive impact on resident satisfaction. The enhanced ability to manage irrigation more effectively has resulted in better-maintained landscapes, which are visibly healthier and more appealing. Residents have experienced fewer disruptions and a more enjoyable living environment, reflecting the success of the new system.
We tackled the issues with struggling plant materials at Dellrose by implementing a comprehensive and strategic approach. Rather than replanting species that had previously failed, we conducted an in-depth assessment of Dellrose’s local environment and soil conditions. We recommended alternative plant materials that are better suited to the specific climate and soil variations of the community. This approach was designed with long-term cost of ownership in mind, focusing on selecting plants that would be resilient and sustainable.
Our commitment extends beyond initial plant installation. With so much plant material on site, we provide ongoing horticultural support to monitor plant health, address issues promptly, and make necessary adjustments.
Monarch Landscape Management’s expertise has made a significant difference at Dellrose, transforming landscape challenges into opportunities for improvement.
Our proactive approach, from upgrading irrigation systems to addressing plant material issues, has resulted in a more vibrant and well-maintained community.
By consistently meeting and exceeding the needs of the developer and residents, we hope we have demonstrated our capability to ease management burdens and reduce complaints at any HOA community.
If you are seeking a landscape management partner who can deliver exceptional results and streamline your HOA’s operations, consider our team at Monarch.
Ready to transform the landscape at your HOA? Get started by filling out our contact form.
Written By: Monarch Landscape Management
1850 Hollister St.
Houston, Texas 77080
713.849.6600