What documentation should a strata garden maintenance company provide after each visit?

A compliant strata garden maintenance provider should supply a written visit report after every service. This should include the date and time of the visit, areas serviced, tasks completed, before-and-after photographs, any issues identified (such as broken irrigation, pest activity, or unsafe overhanging branches), recommendations for the next visit, and a signature from the attending technician. Garden Managers provides all of this as standard after every visit.

Is garden maintenance a legal requirement for strata schemes in NSW?

Yes. Under Section 106 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), an owners corporation must properly maintain and keep in a state of good and serviceable repair the common property — which includes gardens, lawns, and landscaped areas. Failure to do so can expose the owners corporation to legal liability and potentially invalidate insurance claims.

What happens if an owners corporation fails to maintain common garden areas?

If a resident or visitor is injured due to poorly maintained common garden areas — such as tripping on overgrown paths, slipping on wet leaves, or being struck by an unmaintained tree branch — the owners corporation may be held liable. Without documented maintenance records, proving due diligence becomes extremely difficult. Insurance companies may also dispute claims where no maintenance records exist.

How often should strata gardens be serviced and documented in Sydney?

Most Sydney strata properties benefit from fortnightly or monthly garden maintenance visits, with full written documentation after each service. High-traffic properties or those with complex irrigation or landscaping may require more frequent visits. The key is consistent scheduling with documented reports — not just sporadic visits when complaints arise.

Can poor garden maintenance affect strata insurance in NSW?

Yes. If an insurance claim arises from an injury or damage related to garden areas — for example, a falling branch or a trip hazard on a garden path — insurers will typically request maintenance records. If no records exist, the claim may be disputed or denied. Documented compliance records from a professional strata garden maintenance company provide critical evidence of due diligence.

What should be included in a strata garden maintenance report for AGM records?

For AGM and committee meeting purposes, your strata garden maintenance provider should supply seasonal summaries showing all visits completed, tasks performed, issues identified and resolved, upcoming recommendations, and cost implications of any proposed works. This gives committees a clear record of expenditure and due diligence, and helps with budget planning for the coming financial year.

How much does compliant strata garden maintenance cost in Sydney?

In Sydney, compliant strata garden maintenance with full documentation typically costs between $600 and $1,200 per month for small blocks (6–12 lots), $1,200 to $2,800 per month for medium properties (13–30 lots), and $3,000 to $6,000+ per month for large complexes (30+ lots) or premium properties. These figures include all labour, equipment, waste removal, and post-visit compliance reporting.