Essential Property Maintenance for Village on the Pond Homeowners

Spring is here! It's time to deal with the damage left behind by winter freezes and spruce up that landscaping. We all play a part in keeping our community beautiful!

February was punishing for Central Florida landscaping. Two brutal back-to-back cold spells dipping into the 20s with sustained winds were more than many of our tropical plants could take. Within a few days of the last freeze the carnage was evident in yards all around the Tampa Bay area. Then came the question: To prune or not to prune?

If you haven't already, here's the answer: It's time to prune! Now, not all plants were damaged equally. If your plant is completely brown, you can prune it to the ground and it will likely come back but you're looking at a slow process. You may be better off replacing, if funds allow.

If your plant is partially damaged, consider pruning off the dead parts and then wait and see.

Here's a little landscaper's post-freeze test: scrape the plant's central limbs or trunk with a knife. If you see green there's hope for it to come back. If it's brown, it's dead.

Stay proactive with seasonal home inspections that help identify and address maintenance needs before they become bigger issues.

The HOA board recently sent out notices that we would be resuming property inspections and, when necessary, enforcement actions.

The process is as follows:

1. Courtesy notification

2. Formal warning

3. Possible fine

Areas of focus include;

* Cleanliness and condition of mailboxes

* Power washing driveways, sidewalks and fences

* Landscaping maintenance

* House exterior (a recommendation to repaint may be given)

Please begin preparing your property to ensue it meets these community standards.