Establishing a Landscape Liaison

One of the keys to a maintaining a successful community association landscape is a Landscape Liaison Program.

What is a Landscape Liaison Program? The Landscape Liaison is a vital communication link between the Board of Directors, the Landscape Committee and your landscape contractor. The Liaison is appointed by the Board and is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the landscape maintenance program together with the Landscape Committee and Board.

A Landscape Liaison is usually most successful when the position is filled by a Board member who has authority to direct the maintenance contractor and promptly approve necessary repairs or minor enhancements from an established budget. The Liaison should represent the interests of the Association's members and Board.

The duties of the Landscape Liaison include:

• Regularly communicating activities of the landscape contractor & Landscape Committee to the Board of Directors. Request time on the agenda to present a landscape report including: how things are going, what recommendations you have with associated costs, and other issues with suggested solutions.
• Attending regular walk thru with the landscape contractor and communicating results to the Board. Being the conduit between the Board and the landscape contractor is the liaison's primary role.
• Consulting with landscape professionals (landscape architect and landscape contractor) to establish adequate schedules & effective maintenance programs.
• Communicating expectations to the landscape contractor
• Monitoring performance and work quality of the landscape contractor, while possessing a complete understanding of the terms and conditions of the landscape maintenance contract
• Preparing and presenting reports with recommendations for Board review

Establishing an effective Landscape Liaison Program will improve communication and establish clear targets to enable your landscape contractor to service the specific needs of the Board while maintaining, protecting and enhancing your landscape. It's a wise way for a community association to get the most out of every landscape dollar spent!

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