Who is responsible for strata garden maintenance in NSW?

Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (SSMA), the owners corporation is responsible for maintaining common property — which includes all shared garden areas, lawns, trees, and irrigation systems. Failing to maintain them is a breach of this legal obligation.

How much does a neglected strata garden cost to restore?

Emergency restoration for a neglected medium-sized strata garden (10,000–25,000m²) in Sydney typically costs $3,000–$12,000 for a single remediation, compared to $1,500–$3,500 per month for ongoing prevention. Tree failure emergencies and arborist removals can add a further $2,000–$8,000 per incident.

How often should strata gardens be maintained in Sydney?

Most Sydney strata properties require fortnightly visits during spring and autumn (peak growth seasons) and monthly visits in winter. Irrigation checks, mulching, and seasonal fertilising should be scheduled at least four times per year.

What should a strata garden maintenance report include?

A professional strata garden report should include: work completed during the visit, photographs of before and after, any plant health concerns identified, irrigation system status, recommended seasonal actions, and a record of any safety hazards (such as overhanging branches or root heave near pathways).