It would be difficult to find homeowners more proud of their neighborhood than at this active adult community. The 55+ gated property is conveniently located within one hour’s drive from Disney World and Universal Studios, but has everything residents need right inside the neighborhood. From pickleball courts to the 6,700 square-foot clubhouse to a resort-style pool, the amenities keep everyone active and connected to their neighbors. Residents are invested in keeping their community’s curb appeal high while staying engaged in developing community with food truck events and sailing together on group cruises.
Challenges
A huge property like this one presents many challenges. However, the biggest problem they were dealing with when Yellowstone was brought on was the feeling residents had that their input wasn’t important to their former landscaping provider. That feeling is something we often see in 55 and better communities.
This HOA community has over 16 acres of natural space and walking trails alone, which takes a dedicated workforce to maintain. There are numerous other mixed-use areas (common space and private residences) to contend with, both having different expectations.
Another challenge initially was the outdated irrigation system. Water was being wasted and parts of the landscaping were struggling - not receiving enough water. Another hurdle was the water features at the community entrance, that was constantly in need of major repairs. Finally, there were over 100 trees damaged by Hurricane Milton. And residents were not ready to give up on those valuable trees.
Results
For nearly four years Yellowstone Landscape has worked closely with the community manager, the HOA board, and residents to overcome these challenges together. And the results of that partnership:
- Our branch manager worked with community leaders to begin weekly meetings with the HOA board and landscape committee.
- That started us on the right foot with residents, plus we sent memos to them asking for any constructive criticism.
- Residents began to trust that we wanted their input so we could maintain outdoor spaces everyone could be proud of.
- Simple technology (SharePoint) was made available to residents so their requests would be seen immediately by our branch manager.
- Another bridge-builder was our horticultural professionals offering gardening workshops for residents.
- Options for increasing irrigation efficiency were presented to the HOA board and landscape committee.
- 22 irrigation controllers are now audited on a quarterly cycle.
- Controller runtime was optimized (rotors 35 minutes, spray heads 25 minutes, and drip 40 minutes).
- The board accepted our suggestion to convert maintenance-heavy fountains into low-maintenance planters with new irrigation—saving water and lowering utility costs.
- Over 100 hurricane-damaged trees along the greenbelt and in resident yards were saved through bracing.
- Yellowstone submitted a hurricane preparation plan using strategic pruning to help prevent future tree damage.
- Residents and leadership approved the hurricane plan after seeing the care we showed for their beloved trees.
- Routine tree canopy lifting adheres to sidewalk and roadway standards.
Property Accolades
“Every part of the community always looks fresh and vibrant.”
“One of the best neighborhoods in the Orlando area.”
“A place we’re proud to call home.”
A Common Goal
This is one of the most-talked-about properties our company maintains. Yes, it’s a large-scale undertaking and a luxury neighborhood. Those aspects make the property stand out. However, the way this community has evolved into the treasure it is today makes it a unique landscape case study.
Residents had begun to lose faith in large-scale landscaping providers because of their past experience and not having their input valued. Changing their minds about the landscaping industry wasn’t easy. Gaining their trust took more than showing our expertise in irrigation management or palm tree maintenance. What it took was empathy for the residents’ point of view. Yellowstone made sure they knew we’d listen to their feedback and take action on their input.
This made all the difference. It was a two-way street, too, as we saw how much empathy the homeowners had for our workers. They understood the effort it took to maintain an enormous property and keep dozens of plant species thriving in Florida’s extreme heat. One homeowner, a retired IT professional, even built a bond with our irrigation manager. They regularly bounce technology ideas off each other.
This community has truly embraced our company. Residents often stop our employees to ask them questions on ways to improve personal plants on their patios. They even ask our workers for insights about non-landscaping issues, like they would a neighbor.
If you’d like a landscaping provider that believes listening to property owners is the right way to produce premier landscapes, contact Yellowstone Landscape.
