Creating a groundskeeping plan that is in line with the resort’s budget and enhanc- es the beauty of the property is a daunting task. What are some factors boards need to consider?

For a small property with little green space, maintaining the grounds
with an on-site resort staff can make sense, as is the case with Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club in Myrtle Beach. Will Potter, Regional Vice President of SPM Resorts, explains, “The board made the decision
to have resort staff manage the landscaping because the amount of space is manageable, and it is more cost effective to maintain it on a daily basis than it would be to spend the money with a landscaping company.”

However, for properties with larger common areas, opting to outsource is often more cost effective. Setting up a
quality, in-house groundskeeping operation from scratch is expensive. Storing equipment, from rakes and shovels to mowers, trimmers and blowers requires a lot of space, and creating safe storage for combustibles is important. Professional landscaping companies invest in the equipment, employees, and storage neces- sary to manage resorts’ grounds.

Jeff Lessey, Regional Vice President of SPM Resorts, quips, “For a medium or large property, your household ride-on lawn mower and weed eater just won’t cut it.” He continues, “Anyone can push a lawn mower, but will they know what to do with the bald patch that shows up in the middle of the courtyard,...