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A well-maintained common yard benefits everyone
Maintaining a common yard involves much more than simply mowing the lawn. Our landscaping expert, Tuomas Äärynen, explains what is done in our common yards and how residents can help keep them pleasant and enjoyable for everyone.
A well-maintained common yard makes everyday life more pleasant and helps create a safer environment. While many people only notice yard maintenance when they hear the lawn mower or see the first spring plantings, keeping common yards in good condition requires ongoing work throughout the year.
Common yards are maintained all year round
Common yard maintenance tasks vary with the seasons. In spring, we clean up after winter and prepare for the growing season. During summer, we care for plants and new plantings. In autumn, we carry out pruning and prepare for winter.
The care of trees, shrubs and other vegetation is handled by professional landscaping and grounds maintenance teams.
“For example, major pruning of shrubs is usually carried out after the leaves have fallen.”
Lawn care is one of the most visible aspects of common yard maintenance.
“The frequency of mowing depends on factors such as weather conditions and the rate of growth. During the growing season, lawns are mowed as needed.”
Why isn’t everything watered?
During hot weather, some residents may wonder why the grass looks dry and why there are no sprinklers in sight.
“We water new plantings to help them establish roots and survive their first years. Otherwise, watering is generally not carried out.”
This ensures that water is used carefully and where it provides the greatest benefit.
How are weeds controlled?
Weeds are mainly controlled along walkways, paved areas and around buildings to keep outdoor areas tidy and safe.
At the same time, we are reducing the use of herbicides whenever possible. Their use has been cut by half this year, and at some properties they are no longer used at all.
We use a biodegradable herbicide containing pelargonic acid and maleic hydrazide as active ingredients. The product does not have long-lasting effects.
More meadows and trees in common yards
Our common yards increasingly feature solutions that support biodiversity, including meadow areas and new tree plantings.
“We will continue to introduce new meadows and tree plantings across our properties in the future. For residents, this means greener surroundings, flowering areas and important habitats for pollinators.”
How you can help keep common yards pleasant
Common yards are shared spaces for all residents, and keeping them pleasant requires everyone’s cooperation.
“Plants, and especially trees, should be protected. It is important to avoid causing damage to them through our own actions. Children should also be taught how important it is to leave plants undisturbed.”
You can help keep common yards pleasant by:
- putting away your belongings and children’s toys after use
- disposing of litter in waste bins
- treating trees, shrubs and planted areas with care
- smoking only in designated smoking areas
- taking part in any yard maintenance or clean-up events organised for residents
If you have a private yard area connected to your home, keeping it tidy and well maintained also helps make the whole neighbourhood more pleasant.
Share your summer moments with us
Summer can be seen in many ways in our common yards: in blooming flowers, shared moments and cosy outdoor spaces. We would love to see what summer looks like in your common yard. If you send us photos (the submission form is available in Finnish only), we will share them on our social media channels during the summer.