Standard agreemeent with Landscape Contractor for maintenance of trees, shrubs etc?

Hi fokes,

just wondering is there a standard document drawn up between the residents and the company / contractor who is maintaining the open spaces, shrubs, trees etc.

In order words is there a standard number of cuts of grass, spraying of weeds, brushing of car parks, re-mulching etc. agreed between the residents/management agent or is landscape maintenance carried out on an ad hoc basis cos it seems to be the case in my estate.

FDB

Re: Landscape Management

We have a list of gardeners duties but I think the only thing with a timeline is weekly spraying of cobblelock for weeds in summer.

Re: Landscape Management

It all depends on how much the management company are paying. In my experience, as a landscaping contractor, we would have recommended 26 cuts per year as an average (1 per week for 13 weeks, 1 per fortnight for 13 weeks and 1 per month for balance). Litter pick every visit, strim edges every 2nd visit and treat for weeds every 4th. Then annual treatment of trees and quarterly pruning sessions depending on shrub type etc.

In most cases the management company would not be willing to pay for the complete annual service. All they wanted was the grass cut once per month then when the residents kick up the contractor would be fired and not paid. A new contractor would come in clean up the beds etc and cycle would start again.

I have a relatively detailed specification which is a good base line for residents to use when evaluating the landscaping service. If you are interested pm me and I can email it back.

Re: Landscape Management

WE have a managemnt company in West Cork ( down by the sea) which means the grass is burnt by the salt a lot, out deal is a price per cut & we ring when we want it cut. We the residents get out twice a year , weed the drive ways ,spray for weeds , paint anything that needs painting like common fencing. By involving everybody we halved our management costs & you get to know your neighbours for the 2 days a year we clean up. ( you will not get everybody to help out but last year roughly 15 out 20 houses came for the clean up day)