From Matt Butcher – Business Development Manager, Property Management
Supporting Developers, Resident Management Companies (RMC’s) and Residents at every stage of property management
We’re proud to be the chosen managing agents for a growing number of housing developments across the East Anglia and beyond – from large mixed-tenure estates to smaller private schemes. Whether we’re working with national developers or RMCs, our role is to ensure that every communal space, system and service is well-maintained and compliant.
As a managing agent, we can take care of everything from preparing annual service charge budgets and co-ordinating with local contractors, to overseeing playground safety and drainage feature inspections. We also act as Company Secretary – supporting Company Directors with reporting and administration, arranging and attending AGMs, and more.
In this blog, we reveal the work we carry out in the summer season to keep developments well-maintained and running smoothly – from the visible, like grass cutting and bin store checks, to the specialist, including tree surveys and SuDS inspections. Our property management team are dedicated to protecting the facilities and value of each estate, no matter the season.
Behind the Scenes: Summer Property Management
With longer hours of daylight, and outdoor spaces taking centre stage, summer is a critical season in estate management. From play areas to drainage systems, we ensures that every communal area looks its best and functions exactly as it should – often without residents even realising what goes on behind the scenes.
Here’s how:
Landscaping That Lasts
Fortnightly grounds maintenance (March–October)
During the peak growing season, plants, grass, and hedging grow fast and without regular attention, can quickly appear overgrown or neglected. That’s why our maintenance schedule increases in frequency over spring and summer, with visits usually every two weeks. This includes mowing, edging, strimming, hedge trimming, and attending to shrubs or ornamental planting schemes. In winter, when growth slows down, this usually reduces to monthly visits – keeping costs down while upholding appearance.
Litter picks, leaf clearance, and plant border control
Estate presentation matters – not only for occupiers, but also for potential buyers and renters. Litter is picked on each visit, while autumn leaves and overgrown plant borders are managed to prevent blockage of drains, paths, or water features. Neatly edged borders also help define green spaces and reduce weed spread, keeping maintenance efficient long-term.
Wildflower area management
More developments are incorporating wildflower meadows or biodiversity zones – a great initiative for pollinators, but they require careful handling. Unlike lawns, wildflowers are often cut once a year (usually late summer) and left to self-seed. Our property managers also assess whether the areas need re-seeding, invasive weed control, or advice on enriching soil to support the habitat over time.
Swale and basin inspections (SuDS)
Sustainable drainage systems – including swales (shallow ditches) and basins (sunken grassed areas) – help manage surface water naturally. Summer is prime time for inspecting them as dry periods allow us to assess soil condition, ensure inlets and outlets are unblocked, and ensure vegetation is thriving. If not maintained, SuDS can fail and result in flooding or waterlogging during heavy rain.
Catchpit & pond maintenance
Ponds and catchpits (below-ground drainage features) need to be kept clear of debris and checked for algae, erosion, or sediment build-up. Even ponds that look decorative may form part of a development’s water management system, so we ensure they are safe and functioning effectively.
Dog waste bin servicing
Where included in the management agreement, we empty and sanitise dog bins regularly – avoiding odours and hygiene becoming an issue in hot weather. Regular checks also prevent overflow or misuse.
Bin storage compliance
Shared bin stores can quickly become messy, especially in summer. We inspect for issues like incorrect use, vermin risk, or poor signage – and work with residents or Directors to encourage good habits. Our property managers also ensure access routes remain clear for waste collection teams.
Safety in Focus: Playgrounds, Trees & Pathways
RoSPA playground inspections
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) provides industry-standard annual inspections which we adhere to. These go beyond visual checks to include structural integrity, wear and tear, surfacing, spacing, and even risks associated with fall heights or finger entrapment. Our regular inspections help keep communal play spaces safe, reduce liability risks for the management company, and extend the lifespan of equipment.
Tree surveys
By partnering with qualified arborists, we assess tree health, look for signs of disease or decay, and identify any trees posing a risk to property or people (e.g. overhanging footpaths). Summer is ideal for spotting structural issues hidden by winter dormancy, and early intervention helps avoid storm damage in autumn.
Hard surface inspections
Footpaths, driveways, and paving slabs can deteriorate over time, especially after winter frost and heavy rainfall. We inspect for cracks, root heave, erosion, or pooling water. Fixing minor issues early avoids expensive resurfacing later and keeps residents safe, particularly where routes are frequently used.
Keeping Developments Safe, Tidy & Ready
Basins cleared before peak rainfall
It’s easy to forget about basins in summer when they’re dry but this is the best time to clear silt, weeds or debris so they’re ready to handle sudden downpours. Regular checks and cleaning before rainfall becomes more intense in late summer or autumn, helps protect properties on the development from surface water flooding.
Communal areas serviced for summer use
Warm summer weather means that communal greens, benches, courtyards and bin areas see heavier use. To ensure this is possible, we proactively check everything from seating to signage – ensuring these development spaces are tidy, functional and welcoming for occupiers. It’s also the ideal time to introduce enhancements such as planters or new bin store cladding where appropriate.
Water points, lighting & fencing checks
Whether it’s an outdoor tap for landscape contractors, motion-sensor lighting, or the fencing around a pumping station, it’s important that we spot issues before darker and wetter weather arrives. For newer development sites, we also liaise with developers to raise snags still under warranty.
Tracking & Communication
Regular communication with occupiers, developers, freeholders, and leaseholders is key to ensuring that we support the needs and preferences of those associated with a development. All of this activity is logged and monitored in our site management files. Reports are shared with Directors, and key issues flagged via My Portal to make sure occupiers, RMCs and developers are always kept in the loop.
Conclusion:
At Watsons, we believe that well-managed developments create better living environments. From seasonal inspections to strategic, long-term planning, every task our property managers carry out plays a role in supporting safe and thriving communities. Whether you’re a resident, developer or Director, our goal is to take care of all the details so you don’t have to. As your managing agent, we will continuously work behind the scenes to keep your development running smoothly, whatever the season brings.
Contact Us
Our property management specialists are here to protect and enhance developments across East Anglia and beyond. Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning developer services.
Property Management Specialists
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
📞 Phone: 01603 226500
✉️ Email: management@watsons-property.co.uk
