Property Preservation: Lawn Maintenance and Snow Removal
It is standard practice for maintenance work to the front and back yard to be completed by the same contractor who performed the junk clearance and the clean up. However, make sure you list these services in a separate section in any quotation you generate. You can then offer a package price for the provision of all the services. The services that you will provide as part of maintaining the garden, yard, and landscaping may be as follows:
Maintaining grass areas. This will include cutting the lawn, removing any weeds, trimming the edge of the lawn, removing any debris, sweeping all paved areas, and removing clippings and garden waste. These activities are included in the permitted HUD cost for initial and subsequent work.
In some areas, there may be a homeowners’ association that is responsible for maintaining the area outside the property. Check in advance if this is the case to save yourself from performing unnecessary work.
The initial cut will usually be provided shortly after the bank has acquired the property and maintenance will be completed according to a pre-agreed schedule thereafter. This is generally every two weeks.
HUD Guidelines for Lawn and Shrub Maintenance
The HUD have issued guidelines for lawn maintenance, as follows:
Grass should be cut every two weeks between April and October unless the climate of the area dictates that the grass is cut more frequently. This is indicated by the chart below.
Grass should not be cut between November and March unless prior written approval is obtained. In the event that the grass does grow beyond six inches high in the off-season, the mortgagee can request approval for the grass to be cut.
The grass and weeds should be cut to a maximum height of two inches.
Any grass or weeds around the property line, bushes, trees, fences, flowerbeds and any other constructions should be trimmed.
Shrubs should be trimmed between the growing season of the area, which typically runs from April through to October. Shrubs should generally be trimmed once a year. If additional trimming is required, take photographs to document the state of growth and seek appropriate approval.
Oversized yard: If you are asked to produce an estimate for an oversized yard that is larger than 15,000 square feet, ensure that you measure and record the exact dimensions to produce an accurate calculation of the total square footage. Use photographs to document the size and scale of the area.
When you produce a quotation, make sure it includes a separate price for the initial cut, and the subsequent cuts thereafter.
Local Variations from General Requirements
SANTA ANA Homeownership Center Arizona/ California/ Nevada
Grass should be cut year-round. Properties with desert landscaping require only once a month weed removal and are reimbursed as a re-cut.
Hawaii/Pacific Islands
Grass should be cut year round.
ATLANTA Homeownership Center Florida
Grass should be cut year round.
Property Preservation Grass Cut Videos
Grass Cut Season Start and End Dates
In the United States, the property preservation grass cutting and snow removal seasons vary significantly by region, local conditions, and specific environmental factors. While snow removal generally takes place from October 1 to March 31 in areas where it is required, grass cutting seasons differ considerably depending on the climate. In cooler states, grass cutting typically runs from April 1 to October 31, while warmer states like Arizona or California may see year-round grass maintenance, and cooler climates may end the season earlier in the fall.
Grass Cutting Season
Year-Round States: In regions with mild winters such as Florida, Hawaii, and parts of Southern California and Arizona, grass may need to be cut as frequently as once or twice a month throughout the year. For example, in Florida, the warm temperatures and regular rainfall encourage continuous grass growth, requiring frequent maintenance.
Seasonal States: In many northern and transitional states, such as Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, grass cutting is typically needed from April to October. These states experience more distinct seasons, with growth tapering off in late fall as temperatures drop. For instance, in Michigan, you might need to stop cutting by late October due to frost, whereas in Texas, the season might extend well into November.
End of Season: The grass cutting season generally ends when consistent cold temperatures slow down grass growth. For most northern areas, this occurs around late October or early November. In some regions, like the Upper Midwest, the final mow is done at a shorter height to prevent snow mold, which helps protect the grass during winter months.
Snow Removal Season
Typical Season: In areas where snow removal is required, the typical snow removal season lasts from October 1 to March 31. For example, in states like Minnesota or New York, where heavy snowfall is common, snow removal contracts often extend across this six-month period. Snow removal includes clearing driveways, walkways, and sometimes even rooftops to prevent ice buildup.
Exceptions: In certain regions, there are variations or exceptions to these general snow removal timeframes. For example, in some higher-altitude areas in Colorado, snow removal may be necessary even outside the standard dates, due to late-season storms. Some southern states, like North Carolina or Tennessee, may only require snow removal during unusually harsh winter storms, while typically avoiding regular snowfall.
Factors Influencing the Season
Climate and Temperature: The most significant factor determining the length of the grass cutting season is the local climate. For instance, in a place like Alaska, where the growing season is extremely short due to colder temperatures, the grass cutting season may only last a few months. Conversely, in Arizona, where temperatures remain warm year-round, grass can grow continuously, requiring maintenance throughout the year.
Local Regulations: Property preservation contracts, especially those from government agencies or corporate property managers, may have specific guidelines that override general seasonal expectations. For example, federal contracts may specify exact dates for lawn care, regardless of local weather conditions, to maintain a consistent appearance across all properties.
Grass Type: The type of grass also plays a major role in determining the mowing season. Cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue) thrive in cooler climates and typically go dormant during the summer heat, while warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or Zoysia) thrive in warmer climates and go dormant during the winter. In places like the Southeastern U.S., where warm-season grasses dominate, the growing season extends well into the fall, sometimes requiring maintenance into late November.
HUD Guidelines for Snow Removal
The lender is required to ensure that the property is safe and accessible throughout the winter. It is, therefore, the lender’s responsibility to ensure that all snow is cleared from the walkways, paths and entryways surrounding the property following a minimum three‐inch accumulation. Before commencing any snow and ice removal activities, ensure that you check the snow removal requirements in the area in which you are operating because there are usually local variations pertaining to how much of the sidewalk you will be required to clear.
Once you have removed all offending snow and ice, put some salt or grit down to melt any remaining ice.
If this is work that you intend to complete yourself, it’s a really good idea to purchase a snow blower, it will make your life significantly easier.
Always take “before” and “after” photographs to document the work you have completed in the event that your invoice is disputed.
