Texans can feel the sun of spring just around the corner. Now is the time for HOAs to start planning out landscaping and maintenance vendors for the seasons where curb appeal truly counts.

If you are a board member who wants to get your association’s landscaping in top shape but don’t have a contracted vendor, here are some tips for hiring the perfect landscaping team for your association this spring.

Figure Out What Your Community Needs

Before you even start soliciting bids or even looking at new landscapers, examine your current landscaping and decide on what you want to change going forward. The best way to do this is by asking yourself and your HOA management team the following questions.

• What is your total landscaping budget?
• What is it that you would like to see improved?
• Do you need a total restoration or just someone who can provide upkeep to the landscaping that is currently in place?

Take note of the specific landscaping services you need and create a short-list of five or six specifications and don’t consider a company that can’t provide each one.

For example, if your association needed tree planting, lawn mowing, fertilization, and flower bed creation/maintenance, don’t look beyond these needs for a landscaper that can make your association the best it can be.

Ask Your Management Team for Recommendations

Before you take the time to scour the industry for the perfect landscaper, check with your association management team. Part of a management team’s responsibility is to cultivate healthy relationships with quality vendors.

You may not even have to search at all because your HOA management company has already done the footwork for the right candidate ahead of time.

Send Proposal Requests to Your Shortlist

Generally speaking, it is recommended to solicit bids from at least 3 different vendors. Some documents even require at least 3 vendors for contract bids.  Reach out to the selected vendors and send them a proposal request that outlines everything the job would require of a qualified vendor.

Do Your Due Diligence

Before you select a landscaping company for your HOA community, make sure you’ve reviewed all of the due diligence essentials:

• Do your candidates have enough experience in the industry?
• Do they use subcontractors or a hand-picked team?
• What is their insurance coverage?
• What are their certifications?
• Are they licensed?
• Do they have references?

A reputable vendor will be able to answer all of these questions for you as well as provide documented proof that they are legally and safely able to carry out their responsibilities as your landscaping team.

Always Review Your Contract

Before signing your contract, review it with your management and legal team. This ensures that there are no hidden fees or strange stipulations that could tarnish your negotiations in the long-term.

Select Vendors That Meet Your Needs with Goodwin & Company

Selecting the right vendor for any association need can be a frustrating experience without the help of a qualified management team on your side.

Goodwin & Company is a team of Dallas professionals that can use our vendor relationships to help your association thrive. We are ready to help you succeed behind the scenes while your board actively leads its community. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with a member of our team or to learn more about our management services.