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HOA Landscape Maintenance Success in Clearwater: Restoring a High-Profile Community Property

Michael Tomaino Michael Tomaino

When a high-profile property like Water’s Edge – overlooking Clearwater’s vibrant Coachman Park – is impacted by back-to-back hurricanes, landscape recovery becomes a few things – namely, urgent and strategic. 
In this landscaping case study, we explore how Landcrafters stepped in as a new vendor and quickly turned things around through a phased restoration approach, focused irrigation repairs, and consistent client communication.

Our focus? Safety, beauty, and irrigation performance – all while providing transparent, HOA-specific communication and care.

Meet Water's Edge – Their Unique Needs & How We Met Them

About Water's Edge: A Luxury HOA Property

 Water’s Edge is a luxury high-rise residential property located in the heart of Clearwater, next to Clearwater's bustling and adored Coachman Park. 

Managed by KB Management, the building is known for its upscale appeal and high visibility, which makes its landscape presentation an important part of its brand image. Water's Edge relies on – and its reputation depends on – top-tier HOA property maintenance to uphold its upscale image and curb appeal.

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Water's Edge Unique HOA Property Maintenance Needs 

After experiencing severe hurricane damage, Water’s Edge was searching for a landscape partner who could restore safety, boost curb appeal, and create functionality. 

The client was particularly concerned with removing storm-damaged palms, resolving ongoing irrigation issues, and improving the overall attention to detail that had been lacking with the previous provider.

Water's Edge Project Challenges: The Obstacles to Overcome 

Every client – and every property – has different challenges. No matter what the end or ideal goals might be, there's often a unique combination of existing issues to navigate before the real transformation begins. 

In the case of Water’s Edge, a high-profile HOA community in Clearwater, those challenges were layered. 

They were dealing with frustrating storm damage, aging infrastructure, and a legacy of inconsistent service and communication with past landscaping partners. 

Before we could start restoring the beauty of the landscape and solving their pain points, we had to first address the fundamental issues standing in the way of what they envisioned. 

Hurricane Damage & Irrigation Failure

When we first arrived on-site, Water's Edge landscape was in disrepair. Several palm trees were dead or now a danger due to past storm damage, and much of the irrigation system was non-functional. 
Event-related parking congestion at nearby Coachman Park complicated access to the property, adding logistical challenges to an already complicated and potentially dangerous job.

Common HOA Frustrations

The HOA board and on-site staff expressed that they were frustrated by poor communication, lack of attention to detail, and inconsistent service from their landscaping providers in the past.

In our decades of experience working with HOA properties like Water's Edge, these issues, like poorly managed HOA lawn maintenance agreements, are unfortunately pretty common.

Storm Damage & System Failures

Their landscape had been hit hard by a few storms in a row. Hurricane winds had made their mark – dead palms posed hazards, garden beds were neglected, and most irrigation zones were no longer functioning. The result? Damage, danger, and no hope of improvement until irrigation was addressed. 

Site Constraints

Coachman Park is adjacent to Water's Edge – this is great for residents, but tricky for landscaping site logistics. Events at the park created parking challenges, making equipment staging and crew access tricky, especially on event days when the lot was packed.

Prior Provider Shortcomings

Like many of our clients who have worked with other HOA landscape providers before, this HOA felt particularly let down by a lack of attention to detail and proactive communication. This is a hugely common frustration when it comes to HOA lawn maintenance contracts. 

Many providers think they can create a contract, execute, and then disappear from communication, but HOA communities like these require constant contact and updates. 

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How We Solved the Water's Edge Challenges: HOA Landscape Solutions

 
No matter the kind of client, we always know that large-scale HOA landscape maintenance projects require more than just a one-size-fits-all solution. 

They demand thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a phased approach that doesn’t overwhelm residents as well as property managers. 

For Water’s Edge, we broke the project into three deliberate phases to ensure safety, system functionality, and long-term landscape resilience. 

Here’s a look at how we tackled it: 

Phase 1: Safety First – Immediate Tree Removal & Site Stabilization

Before we could move forward with any aesthetic improvements, we had to address serious safety concerns. 

Multiple palm trees had been heavily damaged by hurricanes and posed immediate risks to residents and guests. We quickly coordinated with a licensed, insured tree service to remove all hazardous trees on-site. 

This created a safer environment while improving visibility and clearing the way for future planting and irrigation repairs.

  • Primary Goal: Remove all storm-damaged palms and unstable growth
  • Outcome: 7 dead or compromised palms safely removed

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Phase 2: Infrastructure Recovery – Irrigation System Assessment & Repair

With the immediate hazards resolved, Irrigation Manager Tom McCoy turned our attention underground. The existing irrigation system was in significant disrepair. It wasn't just a leak or quick tune-up; multiple zones of the irrigation system weren’t functioning. 

Other sections had buried issues like cracked lines and faulty valves. Our irrigation technicians methodically inspected each zone, prioritized the most critical areas, and began restoring functionality one section at a time.

  • Primary Goal: Restore consistent water flow to support plant health and reduce manual labor
  • Outcome: 5+ irrigation zones inspected and repaired, with continued monitoring planned

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Phase 3: Garden Revival – Replanting & Landscape Restoration

Once safety and water delivery were addressed, we shifted focus to the heart of the property: its garden beds and greenery. 

Using a phased method, our landscape crews began revitalizing key areas with resilient, native plants chosen specifically for their durability in Florida’s climate. The replanting was organized in sections, starting with the most visible zones to deliver quick, noticeable improvements.

  • Primary Goal: Rebuild vibrant, storm-tough garden beds that align with HOA standards
  • Outcome: Multiple zones replanted with low-maintenance, hurricane-resilient selections

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The Materials & Methods Behind the Work

Obviously, this was more than a quick cleanup. It was a coordinated effort using commercial-grade techniques and trusted local partnerships, including:

  • Partnered with a licensed tree service for safe palm removal
  • Used high-efficiency irrigation parts to upgrade infrastructure
  • Installed drought-tolerant, native plants that reduce long-term maintenance needs
  • Staged work to reduce disruption for residents and on-site teams

This strategic, step-by-step process allowed us to restore the form and stunning function of Water’s Edge. Ultimately, this helped us create a plan for ongoing community landscape maintenance that residents notice and HOAs can count on.

Executing HOA Landscape Maintenance with Precision & Care 

Once the plan was in place, our team got to work. We strategically rolled out each phase of the project to ensure efficiency, minimal disruption, and maximum visual impact for the residents and management team at Water’s Edge. 

Here's how we brought our phased HOA landscape maintenance strategy to life:

  • Hazard Removal & Site Preparation: Our first on-site priority was safety. We quickly coordinated with a licensed tree service to remove seven hurricane-damaged palm trees that posed immediate risks. This step not only protected residents and visitors but also cleared the way for the next phases of landscape recovery.
  • Irrigation Inspection & Targeted Repairs: With safety concerns resolved, our irrigation technicians conducted a detailed assessment of the property's failing system. We identified and addressed a range of issues, including cracked lines, malfunctioning valves, and outdated controllers. By restoring functionality across five critical irrigation zones, we laid the groundwork for long-term plant health and water efficiency.
  • Garden Rejuvenation in High-Traffic Zones: Landscape restoration began where it mattered most, in high-visibility areas seen daily by residents, guests, and passersby. By starting in these key zones and working outward, we ensured that progress was both practical and instantly noticeable. Native, storm-tolerant plantings were installed to boost beauty while keeping maintenance manageable for the HOA.
  • Clear & Consistent HOA Communication: Throughout the project (and it's still ongoing), we maintained weekly progress updates with KB Management, led by Elizabeth, our dedicated HOA account manager. From walkthroughs to status reports, we made sure the client felt informed, supported, and in control of every decision.

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The Landcrafters Team That Made it Happen

  • Elizabeth, Account Manager: Served as the direct point of contact for the HOA, managing communication and coordinating weekly updates
  • Irrigation Manager Tom, Irrigation Specialists: Mapped the system, diagnosed failures, and implemented repairs across multiple zones
  • Production Manager Adam & Landscape Crew: Delivered hands-on restoration with a focus on detail, timing, and long-term plant performance

The Smart Solutions to Their Site Constraints

Access and parking near Coachman Park is always a challenge – this is especially true during local events. To avoid service disruptions and maintain our timeline, we adjusted our schedules with early morning service windows and flexible staging plans. With a custom approach and communication with the client, we provided thoughtful, problem-solving energy to this HOA landscape maintenance project.

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Water's Edge Results: The Ongoing Success of This HOA Property Maintenance 

While the work at Water’s Edge is still in progress, the transformation is already making waves. 
From the moment we removed hazardous palms to the most recent rounds of irrigation repairs and replanting, every phase has moved the community closer to the elevated, polished look this high-profile property deserves.

Noticeable Improvements – Inside & Out 

Even in the early stages, the results speak for themselves. 

Their garden beds are cleaner, healthier, and filled with low-maintenance native plants. Their key irrigation zones are back online, which keeps the landscape thriving. And most importantly, the HOA team and residents are already seeing (and feeling) the difference.

  • 7 hazardous palm trees removed
  • 5+ irrigation zones restored and repaired
  • Multiple landscape beds revitalized with hurricane-resilient plantings
  • Weekly communication keeps the HOA fully informed and confident in the progress

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HOA Satisfaction You Can See 

The feedback from KB Management and the on-site engineering team has been overwhelmingly positive. From fast response times to the extra attention we bring to detail, the HOA now feels supported by a landscape partner (that's us) who understands the standards and care required for luxury community properties.

"Landcrafters is a new vendor for us, and we couldn't be more pleased with their services and attention to detail. Elizabeth is our rep, and she has been incredible at communication and attention to detail with our property needs. You can’t go wrong with this vendor!!”

— Water’s Edge

Long-Term Impacts for HOA Landscape Maintenance 

While we’re proud of the early wins that Water's Edge has been experiencing, this is about more than short-term results. Our phased approach is focused on setting Water’s Edge up for sustained success – from healthier plant growth to a stronger irrigation system and ongoing, responsive care. 

We care about proactive HOA property maintenance that adds real value over time, sets properties up for success, and provides them with the communication and care they deserve.

Lessons Learned from HOA Landscape Maintenance at Water's Edge 

Every project teaches us something new, and Water’s Edge's unique obstacles and needs were no exception. As we worked to restore this high-profile property, a few key insights stood out that we’ll carry into future HOA property maintenance partnerships.

Top Takeaways for Smarter Community Landscape Maintenance

  • Prioritize Proactive Communication: Keeping HOA boards, engineers, and management in the loop with regular updates builds trust, speeds up decision-making, and helps projects run smoother from start to finish.
  • Phase Large Projects for Visible Wins: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable phases, especially in highly visible communities, helps showcase progress early and keeps everyone engaged in the process.
  • Tailor Solutions to Site-Specific Challenges: From event-day parking restrictions to limited access points, every property comes with its quirks. Adapting service schedules and logistics to fit the environment is crucial for successful HOA landscape services.
  • Fix Infrastructure First: Restoring irrigation early not only prevents bigger issues later, it ensures your investment in plantings and turf actually pays off. It’s the foundation for long-term success in HOA lawn maintenance.

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Building Lasting Trust Through Expert HOA Landscape Services

The Water’s Edge project is a shining example of how thoughtful planning, responsive service, and hands-on expertise can transform more than just a landscape – when done right, it can reshape a community’s entire experience. 

Our phased approach didn’t just deliver results, it built lasting confidence with the HOA team and gave the property a fresh sense of pride.

The best part of all? We’re not done yet. As the work continues, we remain committed to making this property – and every HOA we partner with – a true reflection of what great community landscape maintenance should look like.

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On the Hunt for an HOA Landscaping Partner You Can Trust? 


At Landcrafters, we specialize in high-visibility, high-expectation properties just like Water’s Edge. Our phased approach, proactive communication, and attention to detail are designed to take the pressure off your team while delivering lasting, noticeable results.

Let’s talk about how we can elevate your property. Reach out and schedule a consultation today.

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Michael Tomaino

Michael Tomaino

Head Gardener for Landcrafters, Inc. Michael Tomaino, a cornerstone of Landcrafters since its inception, oversees all aspects of business operations with a wealth of experience. With years of adept team management and leadership under his belt, coupled with a robust educational background, both within and beyond the industry, Michael is dedicated to steering Landcrafters towards becoming the foremost landscape management provider in the Tampa Bay Area.