Managing greenery and pruning in a condominium

The seasonal contract with the greenery company

Ordinary greenery maintenance, lawn mowing, hedge trimming, should be assigned through a contract that defines the frequency of interventions, the validity period (typically March through October in temperate climates), and liability in case of damage to people or property during the work.

The contract should separately specify ordinary, recurring work already planned in the annual schedule, from extraordinary interventions such as removing a hazardous tree or replacing dead plants, which require a dedicated assembly resolution because they fall outside routine management.

It is useful to attach a list of green areas with related maps to the contract, avoiding disputes over the actual surface maintained and the fee owed.

Pruning: correct timing and workplace safety

Tree pruning should be scheduled during the vegetative periods best suited to the species, avoiding drastic cuts during the peak growing season that can harm the plant's health. Tall trees near buildings or power lines require qualified personnel with specific safety equipment.

The property manager must verify that the contracted company complies with the workplace safety obligations set out in Legislative Decree 81 of 2008 when work takes place in condominium areas used by residents: barriers, signage, and agreed schedules to reduce exposure to risk.

When trees border private properties, Article 892 of the Italian Civil Code sets minimum distances from the boundary based on the plant's height: this should be checked before any new planting, to avoid disputes with neighbors that involve not just co owners but adjoining properties as well.

Allocating greenery costs

Ordinary maintenance costs for common green areas are allocated under Article 1123 of the Italian Civil Code, generally based on general ownership shares, unless the condominium bylaws set a different criterion tied to actual use, for example when a garden serves only certain ground floor units with direct access.

Extraordinary interventions, such as removing a tree or redeveloping a green area, must be kept separate in the accounts from ordinary costs and approved with the majorities required for extraordinary maintenance works, informing owners of the cost estimate before work begins.

Clear reporting, with invoices separated by seasonal contract and by extraordinary intervention, prevents greenery costs from blending into other line items and lets owners verify cost reasonableness year over year.

Quotes and assembly approval

Before renewing the seasonal contract or approving an extraordinary intervention, the property manager should collect at least two or three comparable quotes for the type of work, area covered, and frequency, so the assembly can review an objective comparison rather than just a final price.

The assembly resolution must clearly state the scope of the assignment, its duration, and the expected cost, distinguishing ordinary maintenance from extraordinary interventions that require a separate vote with the legally required majorities.

Software such as AmministraPro lets managers attach received quotes to the meeting notice, track approved resolutions, and link each gardener invoice to the correct expense line in the financial statement, making it easier for auditors or owners to verify figures when approving the budget.

Frequently asked questions