Published in the ECHO Journal, November 2004
Each month we’ll address a specific maintenance concern that every association faces. Our panel of experts is here to help answer questions you might have. We hope that you will find this page to be informative and – please – Ask The Panel!
Question:
“Many homeowners in our HOA are concerned with updating our landscaping with a new look, rather than just maintaining what is already there. Where should the board and our Landscape Committee begin? What type of costs would be involved? Will our existing irrigation system limit our decision?”
Our answer this month is from Mr. Lyle Older, a landscaping consultant in the South Bay:
The Landscape Committee should begin by working with their landscape contractor to set up long term goals. If the design work is beyond the scope of the contractor you may want to look for a landscape architect or landscape designer.
When changing your overall landscaping you want to start by getting soil samples of the areas being redone. Then you can incorporate the appropriate soil amendments, fertilizers, and micronutrients recommended by the soil lab.
It is important to re-evaluate your irrigation system prior to planting and make any necessary changes. For example, you may wish to change or add bubbler heads for individual shrubs and trees for more efficient water usage. Shade and sun areas should be separated by installing additional valves. If your lateral irrigation lines are “class” PVC, re-pipe the area using schedule 40 PVC.
If there are drainage issues, these should be corrected by grading, or installing drain lines prior to doing irrigation and planting.
When replanting, be sure to take into account what size the shrubs or trees will reach at maturity. Select trees that have non-invasive root systems, and/or use root barriers when planting the trees to avoid sidewalk and/or foundation lifting or cracking down the road.
Try to graduate plant sizes, placing smaller plants in front and larger plants in back for depth. Consider using bark or mulch after planting to conserve moisture.
Each re-landscape project will vary in its scope, so it is hard to place a cost of the effort until you have a plan from which to bid and itemize costs.
Please use this information as a guide. It is recommended that you seek advice from your professional association manager or affiliated service provider. Should you have a question for the ECHO Maintenance Panel, please contact us at the ECHO office via email at info@echo-ca.org, or FAX the panel at 408-297-3517.