Grounds maintenance
Our grounds maintenance service covers all Ongo communal land. Here you can find more information about the schedule of these works.
Seasonal service changes
The grounds maintenance work carried out in your area will vary throughout the year to reflect seasonal growth, weather conditions, and the needs of communal outdoor spaces.
During the growing season, maintenance activities are more frequent and may include:
- Regular grass cutting
- Hedge and shrub trimming
- Weed control
- Flower bed maintenance
- Litter picking and site inspections
It is important to note that during the period between March and August all work to hedges and shrubs will be carried out to cause minimum disturbance to nesting birds and wildlife in compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Birds Nesting legislation.
As growth slows, activities may include:
- Leaf clearance from paths and communal areas
- Seasonal pruning
- Preparation of landscaped areas for winter
- Continued litter picking and safety inspections
Grounds maintenance requirements are generally reduced during the winter months. Activities may include:
- Essential hedge and shrub maintenance
- Tree inspections and safety work
- Removal of dead vegetation
- Litter picking and monitoring of communal areas
- Planning and preparation for the upcoming growing season
Grounds maintenance schedules are designed to provide the right level of care at the right time of year. The number of visits and type of work required will naturally increase during periods of active growth and decrease during colder months when vegetation growth slows or stops.
This seasonal approach helps ensure:
- Communal areas remain safe, clean, and attractive.
- Resources are used efficiently.
- Residents receive value for money from the service provided.
Please note that weather conditions may occasionally require us to adjust planned schedules or prioritise certain activities to maintain safety and service standards.
Visit our tree policy here.
How are grounds maintenance service charges calculated?
We want to be open and transparent about how grounds maintenance charges are calculated. Grounds maintenance charges help cover the cost of keeping shared outdoor areas safe, tidy, and well maintained for everyone to enjoy. These services may include: Grass cutting, hedge and shrub maintenance, weed control, leaf clearance, litter picking, maintenance of communal landscaped areas, seasonal horticultural work
The service charge is based on the actual cost of providing grounds maintenance services to your scheme, communal area or neighbourhood. When calculating costs, we include:
- The size and type of grassed and landscaped areas.
- The number of visits required throughout the year.
- The level of maintenance needed to keep the area safe and attractive.
- Contractor costs, equipment, labour, and materials.
- Any additional services specific to your location.
We calculate your service charge using the actual cost of delivering services to your scheme, communal area, or neighbourhood during the previous financial year. The total cost is shared fairly between residents, based on the terms of their tenancy or lease agreement.
Service charges are reviewed each year. This ensures charges reflect the actual cost of delivering the service and any changes in contract prices, labour costs, or service requirements.
We regularly monitor the quality of grounds maintenance services to ensure residents receive value for money and that communal outdoor spaces are maintained to a high standard.
