Design Ideas for Unsightly Utility Boxes

Have you ever looked at your landscaping and thought something just wasn't right?  There's nothing really wrong with it, but it just doesn't look right for some reason.  This could be the culprit;

Desert Landscape - Plant it and Forget it!

If you have ever driven down Lincoln in Phoenix, take note on how much of the landscape looks like crap.  Planting desert plants that don't need water has turned into plant it and forget it.  I will say many of the communities have taken action, but many have not.  Let's get real all desert landscape looks like this eventually. 

Suntree, What a Waste!

Don't let your HOA board become filled with excuse makers who spend money without changing anything.  Suntree HOA has board members who believe the standard answers given by the landscapers.  Owners complain about water running into the street when the lawns are watered.  Without even checking it out the board or landscapers automatically say, it's water run off and the lawns need aeration.  Aeration is the standard answer given by landscapers before they ever check it out to see what others are seeing.  Oh wait, they never see what others see because they set the water schedule to go off at 2 am then change it to go off at midnight and 2 am.  Instead of water running into the gutters and puddling without running off once a night it does it twice a night.  Not only is this wasting water but is damaging the joints under the street that connect the asphalt and concrete gutters.  It's a double whammy!  Not one person has ever ever known why the city has an issue with water running off onto the street.  So, now you know!

How to Install a Sprinkler System - Installing an Underground Sprinkler System - Popular Mechanics

Detailed instructions with photos on how to install an irrigation system without digging up your entire yard. After seeing these pictures no wonder sprinkler systems leak so much. I just want to know how you know if you have a leak in the pvc that runs under sidewalks and driveways.

How to Install a Sprinkler System - Installing an Underground Sprinkler System - Popular Mechanics

How to Fight Lawn Disease - Popular Mechanics

Is your landscapers equipment to blame for areas where grass will not grow? Identify and fight fungi infections in your lawns and common areas. In some cases your community needs to be made aware of the infections to avoid spreading them. This includes keeping pets out of these areas.

Natural Lawn Care - Popular Mechanics

Is your community's landscaping maintenace schedule harming our enviroment?

How to Plant Water-Efficient and Chemical-Free Grass - Popular Mechanics

Wondering which grass to plant this summer?

What You Need To Know To Keep Your Lawn Healthy - Popular Mechanics

HOA Landscaping

If your landscaping irrigation needs some repairs or your trying to conserve water.  One must consider all available options and the cost involved.  The costs involved would include the installation and maintenance involved over the long term.  If you save on water but the system is maintenance intensive all the savings is lost and installation cannot be recouped.  However, if the system is maintenance free then the cost of installation can be recouped within a few years, unless you start planting in plants.  Then you lose any savings you anticipated.  Provided that your efforts to conserve reduces your water bill enough to make a difference or not.  For communities if your not seeing a several thousand dollar reduction in your water bill, then you wasted money. 

Repeating the Same Mistakes Expecting Different Results

I just had to share some news I got today.  I found out Suntree HOA changed landscaping companies.  It explains why our budget showed $11,000.00 for a sprinkler audit.  Most landscape companies charge a high fee upon the initial contract signing for a sprinkler audit.  This is essentially a guarantee that once you sign the contract you don't cancel it after they disclose everything they found wrong during the initial inspection.