JP Lange Consulting -- Landscape Analysis for Maintenance and Procurement Program

Homeowner’s Associations continue to face budget constraints while striving to maintain a level of service to the communities they serve, and we at JP Lange are committed to developing creative solutions to serve Property Managers.  Tailored specifically to Homeowners Associations (HOAs), our Landscape Analysis for Maintenance and Procurement (LAMP) Program strives to reduce grounds maintenance costs by limiting not just the time and money necessary for that maintenance, but also by adjusting how maintenance is done.  We understand that budgets are tight and that there are different priorities and a specific vision for each community.  Implementing this program, we help HOAs increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their landscape maintenance program.

What does LAMP entail?

It is wasteful to force a neighborhood into a one-size-fits-all program, and yet we see some common areas where any given HOA can wind up spending more money in the long run if they do not address their maintenance needs. We have designed our Landscape Analysis so that HOAs may choose the specific services that address their maintenance needs, and also take advantage of commonalities based on geography or jurisdiction.   A LAMP analysis may include:

-  Landscape and hardscape inventory and analysis

-  Open water(lakes, ponds, streams) survey and analysis

-  Landscape master plan

-  Conceptual designs

-  Surveying and engineering services 

How will LAMP benefit your community and its residents?

By developing and following a master plan, an HOA can save money on landscape procurement and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their landscape maintenance program. 

Long time residents, new home owners and prospective resale home buyers will benefit from more efficient landscape maintenance management. 

Who will provide the work?

We have a consistent history of working with area landscape contractors, arborists, and suppliers to enact master plans and will assist by providing exceptional landscape architectural and arboricultural services through analysis and design components that will combine for a comprehensive response to any site planning project.  We offer:

- Full-service landscape architecture and arboricultural consulting services;

- Specialized services as-needed;

- Ability to combine the disciplines of the natural sciences with an awareness of site constraints.

- Sustainable design practices; more manageable landscapes

- A local presence and local knowledge with well-traveled experience;

- Documented success on past performance

Jeffrey P. Lange, ASCA Consultant, Licensed Landscape Architect and ISA Certified Arborist heads up LAMP.  Jeff has 30 years of experience in every aspect of site analysis and landscape design within the DC Metropolitan area and well beyond.  He would coordinate any habitat mitigation or tree preservation planning work.  With a deep understanding of the workings of our natural environment, Mr. Lange developed tree preservation techniques used as standards by several local jurisdictions.

LAMP Case Study: Northern Virginia Homeowners Association

The community referred to in this example includes more than 5,000 homes, commercial areas, schools and other amenities on more than 1,500 acres. There are more than 500 acres of common area and seven large lakes and ponds. Prior to the master plan critical inventories and analysis of the community’s landscape, water resources and hardscape were performed.  This type of analysis can be done for any sized HOA in any setting, urban to rural.

Landscape Inventory and Analysis. This task was performed by an ISA-Certified arborist and Commonwealth licensed landscape architect. Inventories are typically done with a focus on developed common areas, and include a listing of woody and perennial landscape materials with notes on location, condition, and suggested cultural practices, as well as a general reporting on the condition of turf areas. For the subject property, more than 20,000 plants were identified.

Hardscape Inventory and Analysis. In the case of the subject property, this inventory included more than 30 miles of trails and sidewalks, dozens of pedestrian bridges, playgrounds and other site amenities.  Paths were analyzed for ADA and AASHTO compliance; sight distance, landscape conflict and slope issues were all considered.

Lake Survey and Analysis. This task included a survey of over 6 miles of shore line for almost 33 acres of open water. The stability and serviceability of the water / land interface were analyzed, and amenities inherently tied to the lakes, such as piers, docks, and boats launches were all considered.

Landscape Master Plan. A Master Plan Report that addresses the areas of concern noted in the various inventories, as well as specific areas in the original RFP for the project was developed.  The community’s entrance features, athletic fields, pedestrian circulation system, lakes, and other common area elements and amenities were all addressed.  During the writing and development of the Master Plan Report, natural scientists were available for the convenience of the landscape committees and Community Association Board members in workshop-like settings.  Such an open meeting format allowed for the collection of information and the inclusion of as many universal elements as possible.

Conceptual Designs. The Community was divided into 16 different planning areas, and for each one, a concept plan was prepared. Each concept plan was servant to the master plan, and each concept grew naturally out of the combination of the various inventories and analyses. Concept designs would typically include adequately specific details and notes for contracting purposes, along with presentation graphics showing “before and after” pictures of the areas of concern.

It’s easy to see that an LAMP analysis would provide information necessary to make intelligent decisions relative to a community’s entire landscape program.