January Landscape Tips

If you want to prevent crabgrass this summer, now is the time. I know it sounds strange but we have to prevent the seeds from germinating before the soil reaches 50-55 degrees.  Apply a pre-emergent herbicide that contains Dithiopyr, (brand name Dimension) now and you will be blessed with protection from this grassy weed for several months. 

Now is also a great time to fertilize your lawn. You can usually find fertilizer mixed with crabgrass prevention in the local home stores right now. Just remember, these products effectively stop seeds from germinating. 

If you were planning to over seed any bare spots in your lawn, do not use.  The cool weather in January is also the best time to hard prune your rose bushes. They can safely be dramatically trimmed back now. Prune away any crossing branches, dead wood, and shape them.  Plant bare root trees and roses in the garden, and if you are feeling really ambitious, plant winter blooming annual flowers now too. You will be rewarded with the showiest yard on the block.

The Role of the HOA Manager

Most associations employ a qualified professional community manager, and we think residents should know what the manager has - and has not - been hired to do. The manager has two primary responsibilities: to carry out policies set by the board and to manage the association's daily operations.

Some residents expect the manager to perform certain tasks that just aren’t part of the job. When the manager doesn’t meet those expectations, residents naturally are unhappy.

Since we want you to be happy, we’re offering a few clarifications to help you understand what the manager does.



• The manager is trained to deal with conflict, but he or she will not get involved in quarrels you might be having with your neighbor. However, if association rules are being violated, the manager is the right person to call.

• While the manager works closely with the board, he or she is an advisor—not a member of the board. Also, the manager is not your advocate with or conduit to the board. If you have a concern, send a letter or e-mail directly to the board.

• Although the manager works for the board, he or she is available to residents. That doesn’t mean the manager will drop everything to take your call. If you need to see the manager, call and arrange a meeting. If a matter is so urgent that you need an immediate response, call the association emergency number or 911.

• The manager is always happy to answer questions, but he or she is not the information officer. For routine inquiries, like the date of the next meeting, please read the newsletter or check the association website.

• The manager is responsible for monitoring contractors’ performance, but not supervising them. Contractors are responsible for supervising their own personnel. If you have a problem with a contractor, notify the manager, who will forward your concerns to the board. The board will decide how to proceed under the terms of the contract.

• The manager inspects the community regularly, but even an experienced manager won’t catch everything. Your help is essential. If you know about a potential maintenance issue, report it to the manager.

• The manager does not set policy. If you disagree with a policy or rule, you’ll get better results sending a letter or e-mail to the board than arguing with the manager.

• The manager has a broad range of expertise, but he or she is not a consultant to the residents. Neither is he or she an engineer, architect, attorney or accountant. The manager may offer opinions, but don’t expect technical advice in areas where he or she is not qualified.

• Although the manager is a great resource to the association, he or she is not available 24 hours a day—except for emergencies. Getting locked out of your home may be an emergency to you, but it isn’t an association emergency. An association emergency is defined as a threat to life or property.

Help Make your Community Better

Our community has lots going on, and that includes a range of upcoming social events as well several important ongoing projects. The website needs updating, there’s always room for another article in the association newsletter, and several committees—budget, landscaping, road maintenance and election oversight—are looking for volunteers.

You can be instrumental in helping to plan the community-wide spring barbeque, to renovate the community center, to redesign the common area landscaping, to review and update the association’s architectural guidelines, to create the association’s 5-year plan and to get involved in any number of other important endeavors.  All it takes is a few hours of your time each month and a commitment to your neighbors.

There’s a lot to be gained from volunteering your time: new friends, new skills, recognition by your neighbors and—perhaps best of all—an improved community.

Contact the association manager or a member of the board today. Welcome to the party!