Homeowner Associations
Landscape maintenance is generally the most expensive line item for homeowner association budgets. Some costs associated with the landscape are not covered under the contract and end up being extra expenses which haven’t been budgeted for.
Gilbert’s water conservation office can help answer many questions associated with landscape maintenance and water consumption. We offer non-biased, research-based information which could help streamline your budget and save money. Our staff consists of individuals that have experience and training in areas of irrigation and plant care. In addition, they carry credentials such as Certified Arborist, Smartscape Certified and Certified Master Gardener and are continually attending trainings and workshops in order to provide the latest technology and information to the public.
Read on for details on how our office can assist your homeowners association.
Landscape Water Evaluation
A Landscape Water Evaluation (Water Budget) will identify if water is being over or under applied based on the selection of plants and/or turf in your common areas. Many communities over water - some by a little but some by as much as 40 percent. Our water budget spreadsheets compute water usage based on the actual water needs for the various types of landscape plants in the community, including turf, for each month of the year. It generates the cost of the water based on Gilbert water rates and shows the results in gallons, dollars and easy-to-read graphs. Your community may realize a significant cost savings just by adjusting their irrigation scheduling and still have a lush-looking landscape.
Speakers Bureau
Our staff members are available to speak at homeowner association meetings or to groups of residents. They can provide guidelines on ways to save money on water costs and streamline your landscape maintenance budget, plus a whole lot more. Topics include turf care, pruning, plant selection, and irrigation efficiency and maintenance.
Answer Pruning Questions
Did you know that plants that are pruned too frequently require more water? Most shrubs only require semi-annual maintenance if not overwatered. We can provide a recommended pruning schedule based on the types of plants in your landscape. This can not only save water costs, but maintenance fees as well.
In addition, our office has a number of tools to assist you that you can access from our web site.
Important Articles
- How To Hire a Landscape Contractor - tips on what to look for when selecting a company to maintain your common areas.
- Know Your Pro - a list of titles commonly found in the landscape industry, what they mean and what certifications are associated with the title.
- Planting Trees in the Desert
- Landscape Watering Results
- Pruning Recommendations - Blooming Season and Pruning Recommendations of Some Common Shrubs For Low and Medium Elevations in Arizona
- Pruning Trees in the Desert
- What is Selective Pruning?
- Landscape Maintenance Questions | Landscape Maintenance Answers
- Sample Landscape Contract - in pdf format
Important Links
- Desert Plant Care
- How to Hire a Tree Expert
- Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines
- Search for a Certified Arborist on-line at the International Society of Arboriculture
- Great tree care information free to download at Trees Are Good
- Drip Irrigation Guidelines covers critical aspects of design, construction, and maintenance to establish the high level of quality a consumer has the right to expect. These guidelines may be used by homeowners, contractors, developers, municipalities, professional organizations, and government agencies as criteria for protecting the public interest and as a technical reference.
Book References
Pruning, Planting & Care - Johnson, Eric A. (1997) Tucson, AZ: Ironwood Press. ISBN 0-9638236-5-1
Be sure to visit our web pages on Water Wise Plants and Landscape Tips.