We are under contract with Perfect Cuts and have been since 2019 at a cost of $50,195.53 including tax (Annually).
Details below.
-Weekly Mowing: $8,400
-Bi-Weekly mowing: $26,000
-Fertilizer: Beds treated as needed, Pre-Emergent (2), Post Emergent (2)
-Litter & Debris: "Normal" removal on visits is included (i.e. no special sweeps for trash)
-Irrigation Maintenance: $1,800.00 (Adjustments, checks, cleaning, repairs) - Parts extra
-Mulch: $4,800 - 2x (March & October)
-Annual Color Change: $2,870 (2x yearly at entrance)
Perfect Cuts operates on the below map. Note some areas are weekly and others bi-weekly or monthly.
The full neighborhood map with all areas owned by the HOA is below. You can see that there are some discrepancies where areas the HOA owns along roads are not covered in the landscaping contract. The contract was developed by Cosmo early on and never updated as the neighborhood matured. We've captured many of the troublesome areas in red (though understand there are likely a few more).
Q. Why not just do annuals up front and save money?
A. While a different approach is certainly a valid opinion, the current general opinion has been that the front looks nice and Perfect Cuts does a good job sourcing colorful and attractive flowers. We plan. to leave it that way.
Q. Why not just let the natural stuff grow? Why 15' back? Why remove the natural vegetation?
A. We're certain there is no perfect answer here, so our approach has been to represent the desires of the community as best we can. Our current view is that the majority appreciate a clean and manicured look going back 15' from the road. Some would want more, others less. This is a good balance.
Q. Why are we paying so much for landscaping?
A. We're pretty certain that the current contact does not qualify as "so much" since it has been $50K since 2019 despite all costs rising around us. To be sure, we're bidding the contract again to see. Early indications are that we're getting a good deal - as long as they are doing the work (which we're zeroing in on). One might question why we cut so much, or why we add flowers 2x etc, but that is all a matter of opinion. The current opinion generally is that the outcome is good and even we might cut some areas more often, so we're not planning to reduce.
Q. Why does [insert area] get mowed/cut as often or as little as it does?
A. See the map above. Perfect cuts follows a strict schedule and map. We can change it when needed.
Q. How do I share my feedback?
A. Email us: Board@saratogahillsaustin.com
