Preparing for the Fall Season
As the seasons change from summer to fall, Homeowners Associations need to be prepared to make certain changes within their communities. Some key items the board should focus on are pool closing, landscaping, and preparing for community meetings. One of the biggest action items for this seasonal transition is taking the necessary measures to ensure that the community pool is closed properly. The pool operating dates typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day but some communities prefer to extend their closing date further depending on the weather in the region. Once the close date is confirmed, the HOA should make sure all pool phones are switched from active to vacation mode. In addition, HOA’s may have the pool company do a inspection of the facilities to see if new pool furniture should be ordered for next season, potential pool maintenance should take place, showers and bathrooms are operational, and any other items that may need attention during the off season.
Landscaping is also a key aspect in the fall as most lawns, like in North Carolina, need to be aerated and seeded to allow for optimal growth in the spring. With proper irrigation in place, aerating and seeding can eliminate dry patches in the community and help add a fuller tuff in the community common areas. Some boards orchestrate community clean up days where residents in the community come out and volunteer time to spruce up the common areas. Community clean up days not only cut landscaping cost but they also get homeowners to take pride in their community by getting involved with where they live. Summer flowers will need to be switched out to fall flowers that thrive in autumn weather and the second phase of pine needles, mulch, or other ground cover can be placed out in the community to give the grounds a fresher look.
The Fall Season is also a great time for the board to begin thinking about next year’s budget and planning for the annual meeting. With the help of the management company, boards should determine who is up for re-election and if the potential raising of assessment dues is necessary to help the communities sustain financial stability. It would be beneficial for the board to plan any potential meeting dates, times, and locations now to ensure proper booking and notification of community meetings are met per their by-laws. Boards could also place fliers out in the common areas reminding residents of upcoming meetings and fall events within the community.
