things we are considering on landscaping

Perhaps it would be best to read the next entry before this one, but we'd like to lay out some things that different landscapers have suggested to get everyone's reaction.  Our intent is not to take over, and revamp the whole neighborhood, but we've been given some things by different landscapers that are worth considering.

Front first entrance: its has been suggested that we consider ripping out the bushes in front of our signage (not all the bushes, just the first 10 or so feet that cover the name to the neighborhood).  These types of bushes are not meant to be trimmed, and in contrast to Bear Creek (across the street) makes our neighborhood look less groomed.  (Rencent update, the landscaper we have decided on believes that he can keep these better maintained, so we are going to hold off on this for now, but would still like any feedback.)

Here is a picture for comparison of Bear Creek.  Notice, their foliage is much more maintainable than ours.

These plants (picture below) at the entrance are considering being replaced with sod due to the landscaper’s feeling that maintenance of these tpes of plants are too labor intensive.  In my own opinion, they are often just rittled with weeds as well (i.e., not attractive), but my opinion on these matters is quite weak.

These (picture below) are the bushes behind the first front entrance.  In order to maintain the standard grooming it has been necessary to cut them back significantly.  The hope is that in the spring they will begin to exhibit uniformity AND the sparse areas will fill in. (Recent update, our new landscaper feels confident he can maintain them correctly).

View of the second entrance:  Notice our current level of spending doesn’t allow for any additional plants.  The board is considering a small increase in spending to beautify this area, but these decisions are tied to a revised budget.

Landscapers suggest that we consider alternative plants in this intersection by the pool.  They state that in the spring, this stop sign will be engulfed by the plants.  Current residence around this area, please comment about your feelings.  Is this true?  How does this area usually look?

Here is a picture of a dead tree in the commons area just outside of the villas entrance.  It has already dropped limbs and created damage.  We will be spending money to have this tree felled, but are trying to get the most econmical quote first.  I’m sure we have more of these situations around the perimeter of the property.  We will need to have these types of situations dealt with, or face damages in bad weather.  Please let us know if you are aware of any problem areas ASAP.  I'm sure it would be cheaper to have all of them removed at once rather than wait till each starts dropping limbs (or worse).

I have been informed that the residence around this island in the villas would like us to consider grassing this area instead of having pinestraw.  Considering the cost of both (A sod square costs about half of what we can get a bundle of pinestraw for and it doesn't have to be replaced twice a year), I am willing to do so. However, this area is not equipped with water, and therefore would be left to the residence to water and mow (even though my yard does fine without much watering throughout the summer -centipede grass).  I was told that they are in favor of this, but the long-term viability of this plan is worrisome.  IF you have an interest in this issue, please leave a comment.  We have recieved a quote to pull out all the bushes (and replant them elsewhere on the property, sod this island, and LEAVE the trees).   I believe the cost of doing all this would be $3K.  I believe that the savings on pinestraw would cover that cost in less than two years.

This issue regards the first front entrance.  First, we are aware of the ongoing issues with empty tree beds. The current board has no knowledge or real starting point as to going after the original company who planted the trees to force them in replacing them.  Therefore we are considering purchasing trees (initial pricing indicates $30 per tree) and planning them.  We have been told that the current trees that are there do not thrive in the conditions (current rate of growth and the fact that so many trees died under these conditions have me – a novice at such things-convinced this is true).  Please comment if you have strong feelings or interests in this issue.  We are currently leaning toward purchasing different trees (not a uniform look going forward) to replace these dead trees. 

Additionally, we have considered (based on the suggestion of our old landscaper) that we could sod the tree beds of the entire entrance for roughly the same cost as it is to lay one round of pine straw.  We are considering doing this.  Reasons are a few fold.  First, it wouldn’t cost anymore this year, and savings would occur every year going forward because we would have less pine straw cost.  Also, weed control would be easier.  However, our new landscaper is against this due to the damage the trees would have by weed wacking the trunks of the trees.  We hope to see improvement in this eye uglyness with the new landscaper, but would like to hear your comments as to the suggestion of sodding the beds.