Condo Media - February 2014 - 51

by Tim Dolan

SEVERE WEATHER
A

PLANNING

lthough today's advanced
technology aids people's
preparation for severe weather
and storms, property managers are continually faced with critical
challenges and choices when managing
their landscapes and grounds.
As Ben Franklin once said, "An
ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure." The best plan of action in any
management strategy is to be proactive
rather than reactive. You should have
a systematic approach when managing your grounds and landscapes, not
only in the threat of severe weather but
also on a seasonal basis. Understanding and limiting the potential costs due
to severe weather can save a property
thousands in clean up and liability.
A good foundation for a proactive management strategy for your
landscapes should contain these key
components: professional contractors,
tree and landscape management, storm
management, and documentation.

Hire Professional Contractors
The old adage "you get what you pay
for" always holds true when hiring contractors. Professional contractors in the
green industry are licensed and certified
in their field of expertise and belong to
local, state, and/or national accredited
tree and landscape associations. These
contractors have the knowledge, train-

ing, expertise, and stay informed of the
current issues that can affect your properties and how you manage them. Look
to your state tree and landscape associations to find listings of professionals like
these in your area.
Once you find contractors, you can
create a collaborative network focusing
on a team approach. Look for the qualities of excellent customer service, communication, and work safety. Contractors
who take work safety seriously will have
all their employees wearing and using the
proper OSHA safety equipment whenever working at your site. Look for the
"organized" contractors; they respond
quickly and efficiently to emergencies,
and at the same time, document the
work in writing (email) and in pictures.
Their documentation is invaluable in any
insurance-related situation, especially
after a storm. They are the proactive
contractors that reach out to you well
before a storm hits and offer assistance.
They are the contractors that send their
updated insurance before their current
policy expires. They will offer suggestions
and solutions for potential liabilities that
your site may have.
Another sound strategy is to hire
employees with expertise in the green
industry. As a professional, they can
identify potential severe weather issues
on your property. They should define the
roles and coordinate the tree, landscape,

A Proactive Landscape
Management
Strategy Is Best

and snow contractors involved in storm
services. Remember to include them
when setting out annual specifications
and when reviewing competitive bidding.

Trees and Landscape
Management

A consistent tree and landscape management plan will dramatically reduce risk,
the potential for damage, and liability
from severe weather. Tree damage is
very costly, even to a small-scale property. Trees that are not structurally
sound and have not been maintained by
a professional arborist will pose a risk in
high winds and severe weather. A professional audit/inspection management
plan for your trees by a certified arborist
will significantly reduce the potential of
tree damage from storms.
A tree maintenance plan should be
done on an annual or biannual basis depending on your needs and/or
budget. Prioritize hazards, such as large
dead trees or structurally compromised
branches, trunks, or limbs. They are
particularly dangerous when they are
near walkways, buildings, parking lots,
outdoor amenities, or power lines.
Fast-growing and weak-wooded trees
can be a potential hazard when they are
not maintained. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.) and White Pines (Pinus strobus)
tend to break easily in heavy winds or wet
snow and should be included in a mainCondo Media * February 2014

Condo Media - February 2014

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