Spotlight on: How Boards Can Prevent Gardening Mishaps

Now is a good time for boards to send out reminders to all building residents who are gardeners (or would-be gardeners) that before they make any changes to the structure of the grounds, including flower beds, tree circles, and plantings, they must receive board approval.

Let them know where they can obtain a paper copy of the proper request form, and if applicable, let them know where it is on the building's website so they can download it.

Boards and their architects or engineers should review drawings, brochures, and all other details about a resident's proposed project, along with the application to find any potential trouble spots.

If it sounds like it's much ado about nothing, think again. Architects and engineers carefully plan the grading of the land to ensure adequate drainage and prevent leaks or floods. An unauthorized landscaping project such as a raised flowerbed can disrupt this grading and trap water in places where it can cause damage, such as a leak in the foundation.

The board should also make clear that residents are responsible for any damage their actions cause to the common elements. In fact, this advice extends to other landscape-related issues, such as patio work and satellite-dish installation.

By no means should a board permit residents to garden — regardless of how small the project and how innocuous it seems — without going through the proper channels first. Doing so opens the board and the building to potentially costly problems and conveys a message to residents that they can make changes to common areas without permission. 

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Got your board's thumbs up to put your green thumb to use? Check out how you can build your own urban garden.