10 Essential Questions for Your Next Landscape Proposal

When a vendor submits a bid for your community, the price is only half the story. Use this checklist to ensure you are comparing "apples to apples" and protecting your HOA from hidden costs, liability, or sub-par service.

1. Who is actually on the property?

• [ ] Ask: "Will the owner be on-site for services, or is this a rotating crew?"
• [ ] The Standard: An owner-operator (like Fox Outdoor Solutions) provides a higher level of personal accountability. I lead every service to ensure our "Set It and Forget It" promise is kept.

2. What is the exact scope of "Mowing"?

• [ ] Ask: "Does the bid include mechanical edging of all sidewalks, curbs, and beds every single visit?"
• [ ] The Standard: Don't settle for just string trimming. Insist on hard, mechanical edges for that clean-cut, professional look that lasts.

3. How is communication handled?

• [ ] Ask: "How do I reach the person in charge if a gate is left open or a zone is missed?"
• [ ] The Standard: You should have a direct line to the decision-maker. At Fox Outdoor Solutions, you deal directly with me, the owner.

4. Is "Detailing" included?

• [ ] Ask: "Does the price include pruning shrubs, weeding flower beds, and removing 'suckers' from trees?"
• [ ] The Standard: A professional contract should include these as standard maintenance to prevent common areas from looking neglected between visits.

5. The Florida Growth Cycle: Summer vs. Winter Schedules

• [ ] Ask: "Does your contract clearly define the shift between the growing season and the dormant season?"
• [ ] The Standard: To protect turf health, frequency must change with the weather:
• Summer (Growing Season): Weekly service (May through October).
• Winter (Dormant Season): Bi-weekly service (November through April).
• [ ] The Benefit: A flat monthly rate ensures budget stability while the grass gets exactly what it needs.

6. Licensing & Insurance (The Risk Check)

• [ ] Ask: "Can you have your insurance agent send a Copy of the COI directly to our board via email or snail mail?"
• [ ] The Requirement: Never accept a COI "from the contractor's hand." When it comes directly from the agent, the HOA is listed as a certificate holder. This ensures you are notified immediately if the policy ever lapses.

7. Environmental Responsibility: Protecting the Indian River Lagoon

• [ ] Ask: "What are your protocols for preventing clippings and fertilizers from entering our water systems?"
• [ ] The Standard: Blowing clippings into ponds or down storm drains is harmful. It adds excess nutrients that cause algae blooms in the Indian River Lagoon.
• [ ] The Local Impact: Professional operators use deflector shields and blow debris away from all water sources and storm drains.

8. Equipment Reliability, Redundancy & Local Support

• [ ] Ask: "Do you have backup mowers and handheld equipment ready to go, and who maintains them?"
• [ ] The Fox Advantage: I maintain a full line of backup gear. I perform my own maintenance and purchase equipment locally. My direct contact at the dealership ensures that major repairs never cause a service delay for your community.

9. Route Density & Dedicated Neighborhood Days

• [ ] Ask: "How many other properties do you currently service in our specific neighborhood clusters?"
• [ ] The Fox Advantage: I dedicate specific days to specific areas. When I am in Satellite Beach / Indian Harbour Beach or Suntree / Viera, I am there all day. By eliminating cross-town travel on 192 or the causeways, I ensure my time is spent on your grounds, not in traffic.

10. The "Multi-Tool" Advantage: Real Savings on Junk Removal

• [ ] Ask: "Do you offer client-exclusive removal services to save the HOA from 'dumpster penalties'?"
• [ ] The Scenario: Imagine a resident in a townhome community buys new furniture and leaves the old sofa and dishwasher by the community dumpster. Waste Management will charge a massive "special pickup" fee or a contamination penalty to the HOA.
• [ ] The Fox Solution: Because I am already on-site for maintenance, I can pick up and remove those items for a rate significantly lower than a waste corporation. I offer this hauling service exclusively to my maintenance clients to keep your community clean and stop "budget leaks" before they happen.

🦊 Albert’s Fox Tip: The "Monument" Test

The next time you walk your community, look at the main entrance sign. If the edges aren't crisp, it’s a sign that a crew is rushing to get to another town. Because I dedicate specific days to your neighborhood, I have the time to treat your entrance like my own business card. Don't settle for "good enough" at the gate!