Investing the time to find the right landscaping partner during budget season.
There is a financial aspect, as landscaping often eats up a large portion of the HOA’s budget, and the quality of that service directly impacts residents’ satisfaction and the property's overall value. Landscaping can represent a significant percentage of the total HOA budget, with estimates ranging from 25% to 75% depending on community size and expectations.

Investing the time to choose the right vendor, who not only fits the budget but aligns with the community’s values, can save headaches down the line. It’s about finding the right balance of cost, quality, and reliability. By carefully planning the budget and following a structured process for selecting and managing landscaping vendors, HOAs can ensure their communities remain beautiful and well-maintained while also safeguarding their financial well-being.

Playgrounds are a wonderful addition to any neighborhood. Playgrounds help foster a sense of community by giving residents a convenient way to connect with neighbors while their children play and burn off energy—often year-round, thanks to Virginia's mild weather. Most importantly, playgrounds offer a space for kids to take risks and explore boundaries safely. 

They’re aggressive, persistent, and showing up in more places than ever before. Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) have become an increasing concern for communities across Hampton Roads. Despite their growing presence, infestations often go unnoticed until they’re widespread—causing costly damage, painful stings, and long-term control challenges. For HOA boards and community managers, awareness is the first line of defense. Let’s take a closer look at why fire ants are thriving, what signs to watch for, and how proactive action can protect your community.

As spring approaches in Southeastern Virginia, HOA communities must take proactive steps to manage their ponds and stormwater devices. These systems play a crucial role in managing runoff, preventing flooding, and improving water quality. However, without proper management, they can quickly become sources of erosion, pollution, compliance violations, and costly repairs. 

As we enjoy the long, sunny days of summer, it's easy to get caught up in the season's festivities and relaxation. However, summer is also an ideal time for property inspections to ensure our community remains safe, well-maintained, and ready for the rest of the year. Regular property inspections during the summer months are crucial for several reasons, and here’s why they should be a priority for every community association.

Preventing Heat-Related Damage

The intense summer heat can take a toll on various aspects of our properties. Regular inspections help identify and address issues before they become major problems:

How to choose wisely and protect your property during storm season

1. It's Never Too Early

Don't wait. Whether you're looking to engage a snow and ice management provider or switching from one provider to another, give yourself at least three months to:

• Properly vet providers.

Back in the days when I worked for a pond construction company, one of my crew members told me that he needed some help identifying a snake that they had found on the job site. He said it was a water snake, and thought it was a cottonmouth. I asked if he had taken pictures of it, but instead, he presented me a burlap bag with the snake inside. Its head was smashed, and its body had been neatly cut into several pieces with the blade of a shovel. As an ecologist and lover of wildlife, the site of the demolished snake left me heartbroken and speechless. It was a large, beautiful, and HARMLESS northern water snake. All I could think of to say was, “That is NOT the way to identify a snake!”

Communities encounter many problems when trying to maintain safe and beautiful common area concrete.

• Spalling or pitted concrete

When it comes to the lakes and stormwater ponds in a homeowners association, residents expect them to be healthy, beautiful, and functional. At the same time, they may be averse to the use of herbicides and algaecides for the management of these water resources. Though the pesticides used to eliminate aquatic weeds, algae, and toxic cyanobacteria are very low-risk, well-studied, and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residents sometimes prefer a 100% natural approach. With this in mind, property managers may find themselves in an uncertain situation. How do they meet the expectations of residents while keeping management costs as low as possible? 

Lower back strain is one of the most common injuries related to shoveling snow. The following measures can help you prevent injuries and keep your back healthy while shoveling:

Disputes can arise between owners and their association regarding who is responsible for maintenance or removal when once healthy trees in the community begin to show signs of death or disease, especially when the trees are located near homes or other structures.  Whether the association or owner is responsible (and could be held liable for damages which result if the tree, or a part thereof, encroaches on neighboring property or falls and causes injury or damage) will often depend on whose property the tree is located on, whether modifications or alterations have been made to the property, and what the association’s governing documents provide.