So often in the world of condominium management, we use the term “borders” to define the region surrounding the foundation of a unit, extending anywhere from 2-5 feet into the yard. The border is where shrubbery, flowers and mulching materials are installed to enhance the curb appeal of a condominium. That being said, every community determines the maintenance responsibility of things installed and planted in the border areas. Some communities hold the unit owner 100% responsible for border maintenance while other communities may offer partial services of shrub trimming and removal of dead plants to assist the community members. There are communities where standardization of the border area is strongly controlled to protect the uniformity of the community.
To determine if you can alter those areas through the installation of annual flower or plants, please check with your manager. It is a sad day when a manager has to tell a unit owner that their newly planted petunias have to be removed. If your association installs mulch, it will be covered within the annual budget. The tightening of budgets may postpone repeat applications.
Yard art installed within the border areas does cause directors to handle numerous violation complaints. Since not everyone one sees the humor of whimsical garden art or statuary, it is wise to assume that any art is not allowed unless you have the expressed written permission of the directors. Shepard’s hooks, wind chimes and bird baths while enjoyable when you lived in your private home may not make the transition to the community setting.
Unit owners who are assigned the maintenance responsibility of their borders will want to be aware of their community’s recycling policy to assist with the removal of yard waste. Since landscapes companies tell us that Michigan’s weather up to Memorial Day could surprise us with a frost, it would be wise to either plan to cover tender plantings or postpone installation until the end of May. Once installed, the weeding and trimming of borders needs to be addressed on a routine basis to keep these areas spruced up and looking good. If you need assistance performing these tasks, please let your manager know.
