Paying for Plants Continued From Page 19
cost history for bark but is highly reliant on the quantity of bark purchased.
The cost to replenish bark can be significant. Bark is typically replenished at 2-3 year cycles.
Tree Trimming
or Removal Associations with extensive and/or mature trees may opt to include a component within their reserve study for periodic tree trimming and/or removal. In addition to providing funding for the association to proactively maintain trees within the community, this component may also provide funding for the occasional removal of a tree that may have become diseased, died or otherwise become a hazard. Tree needs are very community specific therefore it is recommended that the association consult with an arborist to determine a tree maintenance plan and incorporate that information into the reserve study as appropriate.
This may provide funding for the occasional removal of a tree that is diseased, has died or otherwise become a hazard.
Stormwater
Pond Vegetation Stormwater pond vegetation is best proactively maintained throughout the year to prevent overgrowth. If you haven’t done so already, talk to your landscape vendor about performing vegetation control in your pond(s) at least semi-annually or quarterly. This is the most cost effective way to maintain the vegetation within your stormwater pond and prevents potential damage to the pond sides or bottom by overgrown vegetation. In some rare instances an association may need to include
20 Community Associations Journal | April 2023
stormwater pond vegetation control within its reserve study; this is best discussed with your reserve study provider on a case by case basis.
Stormwater pond vegetation is best proactively maintained throughout the year to prevent overgrowth.
Playground
Wood Chips Associations with playgrounds often include funding for periodic replenishment of wood play chips within their reserve study. Replenishment is typically done on the same cycles as landscape bark for cost efficiencies however this may vary depending on the individual community. Play chips must be maintained to a certain depth therefore consult your playground expert to ensure that the play chips at your community are adequate. The project cost is typically based on the association’s prior cost history but is highly reliant on the quantity of wood chips purchased.
Play chips must be maintained to a certain depth. Cost is highly reliant on the quantity of wood chips purchased.
Customized to
Each Community As you can see from the descriptions above, many of the landscape related components are community specific and should be customized to each association. A good reserve study provider will monitor the costs reported by the association and adjust the frequency and expense within the reserve study to match the association’s history. However, research performed by the association with its landscape vendor will also help dial in the landscape components for the community. By working together with your reserve study provider, your community can develop a reserve funding plan for landscaping that will best serve your specific community’s needs.
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