The sound of children playing outside is one of the many joys of the warm weather months. Playgrounds are a place where parents and guardians can relax while kids get some exercise and burn off energy before a nap. Playgrounds can also c…
By now, you have already heard about the "dramatic" changes in the Directors & Officers insurance marketplace. You have also most likely heard about the increasing number of lawsuits against directors and officers, and why associations t…
In a suburban community, outdoor lighting is an important part of any good overall security plan. A well-planned lighting scheme may deter intruders and also prevent falls and accidents by tenants and visitors. Outdoor lighting can also …
For any residential development, dirt, extreme weather conditions, and everyday wear-and-tear can play havoc with even the most durable building materials, such as stone or steel. Those same elements take an even greater toll on painted …
Everyone knows the old phrase about April showers bringing May flowers, but what the saying doesn't tell you is that the rain in April can also bring a lot of damage to your gutter system. Hard rain and blustery wind are always around on…
Once the first home in a new community development is sold, its homeowner association is activated. And from that moment on, the association has to fulfill its obligations to the community and its residents. At the start of the proc…
Most people would agree that even the most upscale homeowner association could benefit from some well-tended, well-cared-for green spaces. According to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), landscaping adds real, measur…
Decorating an association's grounds isn't an easy job; decisions needed to be made on dozens of design elements, plant species, arrangement, and so forth. Along with shrubs, bushes, and flowers, trees are central component of any landsca…
When people think of "landscaping," most bring to mind images of lush shrubs, trees, and sprinklers watering verdant green lawns. There's more to it than that, however, and in some cases, less-typical landscaping elements can not only se…
Spring is a time to start anew–and to observe the importance of lawns in our daily lives and environment. April is even designated as National Lawn Care Month. There is a lot to do to awaken the landscape from its winter slumber and to p…