Owning a home can be your greatest dream and the reason your “honey do list” seemingly never ends. From in-home chores and yard work, your free time can quickly become overrun with unexpected projects. Considering and planning for the maintenance requirements of a home’s yard can be exhausting, but leaning in on your community management team means that you are not left alone to figure it all out.
Your homeowner lawn maintenance guidelines have been curated specifically for your unique community and for the purpose of providing you with a special tool set to keep you abreast of what experts are recommending for your yard.
Understanding your community's homeowner lawn maintenance guidelines.
When you take the keys to your new home, your focus isn’t on the details but on the excitement for the future and the memories yet to be made in your wonderful new space. You arrived at that moment by relying on a team of experts to guide you through each step along the way.
It is in this same mindset that you should approach caring for the outside of your home. The governing documents of your community association may provide guidelines on maintaining your lawn, replanting dead plants, irrigation, ensuring your beautiful flowers aren’t blocking community address numbers, navigating architectural approval for material changes, and other important topics.
One issue you may find yourself combating is Crane Fly larva. Because they can easily overwhelm and eat up a lawn (not to mention grow into huge Crane Flies in September or so) managing Crane Fly larvae need to be a part of your regular lawn care routine.
Crane Flies: What are they and what risks do they pose?
The Crane Fly is a pest that originated in Europe and is. now common in the northern United States. It is an awkward insect with long lanky legs and is often referred to as a “daddy long legs” (not to be confused with the spider). Don’t underestimate the damage of the seemingly harmless insect, as they can cause quite a bit of damage to your yard.
As the Crane Fly moves into it’s larva stage, they move up from underground and begin feasting on the crowns and roots of your turfgrass. The grass becomes patchy and dies over time as they reproduce and the life cycle continues, causing more and more larvae to rise to the surface, each eating a little more away of your lawn.
Experts recommend that if you start to see patches appear in your yard, or have concern that these insects may be nibbling on your grass, to pull up a small test area to see what is roaming just under the surface. Cut out a 1 foot by 1 foot area and dig down into the earth about 1 to 2 inches. Then, lift up the sample area, and place off to the side so you can see the exposed earth below your grass. If you see 25 or more larvae in your sample, you will need to take some additional action.
One suggestion the experts have provided to mitigate your risk of a Crane Fly infestation, is to discontinue the irrigation of your lawn after Labor Day as the damp ground is a favorite place for the female Crane Flies to lay their eggs. Pesticides might be necessary to treat a larger infestation.
We recommend you contact a professional lawn care service if your lawn has reached the stage of infestation, as that can quickly branch out and affect your neighbors’ lawns as well. Contact your community manager to request a few suggested vendors.
If you are thinking of doing it yourself, be sure to research which products are acceptable in your area, as some types have been banned due to causing harm to local area pets and wildlife.
Your HOA’s Governing Documents are Your Field Guide to Better Living
Your governing documents are a homeowner’s guide to maintaining not only your own home, but also protecting your community as a whole from threats like Crane Fly larvae that can affect the curb appeal and resale value of the homes in your community.
When you lean in on the homeowner lawn maintenance guidelines, carefully curated for your community, you are ensuring the safety, curb appeal and value of your home, as well as those of your neighbors in your community association. As a homeowner in an HOA, you are never left to complete your “honey do list” alone. make sure you’re ahead of the game by checking your governing documents first.
If you have any questions or need assistance understanding your responsibilities with homeowner lawn maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Morris Management. Our team is here to support you in upholding your community’s standards and enhancing the beauty of your neighborhood. Contact us today for guidance and ensure your home and community shine bright for years to come.
