One of the most desirable neighborhoods in the suburbs of Chicago has perfected the art of balancing attractive landscaping with a well-kept natural appeal. This HOA community has 102 acres of turf and is known for offering some of Illinois’ best walking trails, parks, and landscaped gardens. The enticing outdoor spaces are often credited for the high engagement among residents, who come together for numerous club meet-ups and other social events. Among the many neighborhood activities are wildlife watching near the wetlands, tennis, and bocce ball, while those looking for relaxation have a pristine pool area to recharge.
Challenges
While there are challenges related to maintaining the landscaping in an HOA neighborhood of this size, sections of steep terrain present serious safety hazards for mowing crews. Adding to the difficulty, many of the 725 homes were built very close together. Extreme Chicago weather patterns can multiply these safety concerns due to heavy rains making slopes even more slippery for mowers.
The soil quality in the region is another problem as it can often lack balanced nutrient levels for turf, plants, and trees, which are also impacted by extreme seasonal weather changes. Keeping landscape elements healthy and looking their best becomes a tougher challenge due to the need for cohesive neighborhood aesthetics.
As with any HOA, there are also pitfalls to avoid when it comes to plant selection and helping residents feel they have a say in the process.
Finally, the close proximity of the 13-acre wetlands presents unique pest management obstacles, including avoiding wildlife damage to plants. Proper plant health care and pest prevention have to be balanced with protecting residents and the unique natural surroundings that make this community so popular.
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Results
Yellowstone Landscape has managed this community’s landscape for almost eleven years. Though the enormous property has numerous challenges, we have overcome them and developed a great client relationship. Below are some of our strategies that produce this success
- Multiple site visits before beginning any mowing helped develop a plan for safety and ideal mowing results.
- We developed a plan for routing mowing and maintenance equipment to maximize safety.
- Comprehensive soil testing throughout the property informs soil amendments for plant health.
- Our company schedules services around outdoor events so resident activities aren’t interrupted.
- Through conversations with individual homeowners, we address weather-related landscaping problems quickly.
- Native and drought-resistant plants are used to withstand climate extremes (also reduces water waste and maintenance costs).
- Yellowstone branch managers meet with community committees to guide residents on landscape options and plant palettes for neighborhood aesthetic cohesion.
- Plant choices also consider wildlife in the area that might damage certain landscape elements.
- Integrated pest management fends off infestations while limiting the need for spraying.
- Comprehensive landscape planning meets the needs of manicured turf and the pristine signage area and keeps natural sections tidy.
- We oversee the integrated lake management (ILM) to ensure the wetlands thrive.
- Two flower rotations annually keep the neighborhood vibrant, including the vivid perennials that frame the shuffleboard courts.
- Yellowstone logistics experts ensure we can execute the weekly maintenance plan for all the common areas and 725 homes.
- Efficient resource allocation and a large, well-trained workforce help us stay on schedule.
- Our professional teams and national resources mean snow and ice management is handled on time every time.
- Pre-staging equipment and personnel for brutal Chicago snowstorms is part of our snow and ice strategy.
Property Reviews
“Great Landscape, and the homes have great curb appeal.”
“Amazing wetlands with walking paths.”
“Clean, neat, well-run!”
An Ongoing Vision
The truth is many landscaping companies might shy away from even bidding on a property of this magnitude. Keeping 102 acres of turf looking lush and healthy is no easy chore. Not to mention, the need to personalize property maintenance for hundreds of different homeowners, with varying expectations. Then, there are the wide-range of obstacles to creating the perfect landscapes—from wetland features, uneven terrain, and tightly-spaced houses.
What made this project appealing to Yellowstone Landscape? For one, the challenge of enhancing the attractiveness of natural areas near residences through comprehensive maintenance. There’s nothing better than growing world-class turf within walking distance of countless wildflowers that bring in interesting and beneficial pollinators—all of which have health benefits for residents.
More important than our desire to take on the unique maintenance challenges, our company was impressed with the property owner and managers. It was clear from our first meeting that they put their residents first. The neighborhood broke ground with a noble vision of an active community where neighbors could enjoy outdoor spaces and each others’ company to the fullest. After that vision was successfully designed and built, this client has been vigilant about maintaining those incredibly high standards.
Yellowstone is pleased to have been chosen to keep that vision alive and well. And we look forward to another decade of maintaining this property that’s in a class all its own. Do you have high standards and a grand vision for your HOA neighborhood? Contact Yellowstone Landscape for a consultation today.
