External communal areas and garden maintenance

Grounds and tree maintenance

The GHA has contracts in place with various companies for the upkeep and maintenance of communal gardens and trees. Each development has a schedule for all aspects of grounds maintenance including grass cutting, maintenance of borders and hard-surfaced areas and pre-planned work which is carried out periodically as the seasons dictate.

There is also a Tree Management Plan (TMP) in place for all developments whereby all our larger trees are inspected every two years and maintenance work is scheduled as per the recommendations of the inspection. Each tree covered under the plan is numbered. If you should wish to report any issues please make a note of the number of the tree and let us have it when you make your call so that we can identify it and make you aware of any planned work already scheduled.

We receive many calls in Spring requesting that trees be cut back because they are in leaf or dropping sap and in the Autumn requesting leaves to be swept up. There is no need to report these issues as all large trees are inspected as part of the TMP and any cutting back required will be scheduled into the plan. The sweeping up of leaves at the end of the year is scheduled in and does not need reporting. If however you notice something potentially dangerous with any trees on your development please report them quoting the number which is attached to the tree.

Your garden

It is your responsibility to keep your garden neat and well cared for. The GHA is responsible for some trees as some are protected. Please contact maintenance to find out what you are able to do.

You should:

•  Cut grassed areas regularly
• Trim all shrubs and hedges regularly, making sure they do not grow taller than 6 feet (1.8 metres). Nor should they overhang public roads, footpaths or your neighbours' property
• Keep the property free from weeds, rubbish, discarded items, animal fouling and noxious substances

 You will need our written permission before you:

• Remove or destroy any trees, hedges, walls, earth banks or fencing, or plant or erect new ones
• Use or modify the property for in-garden parking or vehicle access
• Erect sheds or other outbuildings