Foundations of Real Estate Management BOMA International Module 5: Putting It All Together Landscaping and Snow Removal ® ®

Foundations of Real Estate Management

BOMA International

Module 5: Putting It All Together

Landscaping and Snow Removal

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Objectives

Describe various landscaping tasks, including: cleanup, spring cleanup, mowing and trimming, edging, chemical applications, shrub maintenance, ground cover, tree management, leaf removal, planting beds, irrigation, and weed control

List at least ten best practices for managing snow removal

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Landscaping

Management of plant materials Grading of soil to improve natural

contours Installation of rocks, stones, and other

hardscapes Good landscaping increases curb appeal Storm water management

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Landscaping

Landscaping scope depends upon Location Class Owner’s vision Position in the market Type of property

Not all buildings have landscaping Urban buildings

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Landscaping Vendors

Small landscapers Regional (mid-range) landscapers Full service landscapers

A good landscaper is both an artist and a scientist

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General Landscape Maintenance

Cleanup/Curb Appeal Spring Cleanup Leaf Removal Edging

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Edging

Photos courtesy of The Brickman Group Limited

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Irrigation

Techniques to reduce water use Read the water bill Choose plants wisely

Xeriscaping v. Zero-scaping Reduce/eliminate large flower beds Maintain mulch Drip irrigation Use gray water or rain water

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Irrigation

Irrigation controller Senses need for water System does not come on unless

soil conditions warrant it

Irrigation at right time of day

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Turf Management

Mowing and trimming Mulching mower Compost or recycle Cut to right height (2.5” to 4.5”)

Remove 1/3 of blade of grass at a time

Match mowing schedule to needs of turf – not calendar

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Chemical Applications

Fertilizer Broadleaf weed control Crabgrass control Spot treatments Soil test

pH (maintain between 6.0 and 7.0)

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Turf Rejuvenation

Aeration Overseeding

Photo courtesy of The Brickman Group Limited

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Plant Material Management

Deciduous Evergreen Shrub Care

Never use electric clippers on shrubs! Use hand pruners

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Groundcover

Fills in planter bed areas or areas where grass will not grow

Groundcover is chosen based on Shade/sun Wet/dry Aesthetics

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Tree Management

Pruning Insect and disease control Tree care is part of any

landscaping contract – don’t wait until there is a problem to call in a tree crew

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Tree and Shrub Care

Very poor tree pruning techniques

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Planting Beds

Perennials Annuals Bulbs Mulch

Repels weeds Maintains moisture at roots

Weed control

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Interior Plantscaping

Not usually handled by exterior landscaper

Temperatures constant year round, so plant material can be tropical or exotic

Balance art and science Aesthetics Good management of plants, insects, etc.

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Snow Removal

Potential liability Cost of lawsuit pales in comparison to

cost of snow removal Aggressively manage snow and ice Prepare for snow well in advance Make sure everyone knows the

expectations

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Snow Removal Guidelines

Meet with team, vendor, and tenants long before first snow

Over communicate Manage snow and ice regardless of

accumulation Make sure vendor has plan for large

storms with significant snow

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Snow Removal Guidelines

Larger equipment (higher price) for fewer hours (lower overall cost)?

Stock up on equipment and supplies before season

Perform maintenance on machinery and equipment before season

Use appropriate chemicals for concrete areas and parking structures

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Snow Removal Guidelines

Give instructions for managing snow/ice on parking deck/garage Expansion joints Coatings Weight limits/height limits

Document site before and after with photos

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Snow Removal Guidelines

Use snow stakes Provide site plan for snow plow trucks Push snow to low side of property Remove snow from parking surfaces

as soon as possible Treat ice aggressively

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Snow Removal Guidelines

Manage vehicles on parking lot Fleet vehicles Shift workers

Don’t plow snow against loading dock!