Nominations open for Madison Beautification Awards

MADISON – Begonias should be blooming, shrubs should be trimmed, and mulch should be neat. These conditions and others make a good impression for Madison Beautification Awards.

Returning for 2023, beautification awards recognize any commercial, business or public property within the city limits of Madison. The awards acknowledge individuals who take pride in tending to building entrances, flower beds and foundation plants for an attractive and pleasing look.

Eligible properties include common areas of apartment complexes, condominiums, townhome developments, residential subdivisions, schools, hospitals and churches. Private residences are not eligible.

A judging panel evaluates the nominees’ properties. All winning properties will receive outdoor signage.

Residents can nominate a deserving site by the May 17 deadline. For each property, new or renewal, an individual must complete the entire nomination form on the beautification board’s webpage. With the form, include the $30 application fee per property (check only).

Judges will review properties during June. City officials will recognize winning properties at the Beautification Awards Luncheon this summer. Representatives from properties must attend the ceremony to receive certificates and plaques.

Properties must receive a passing score for eligibility for the Madison Beautification Award. Properties that earn a passing score in all sections will receive an Excellence Award. If the property has won an award for five consecutive years, the site will qualify for the Honor Roll Award.

Landscape contractors must have required business licenses, including a city business license to maintain the property, along with a state license to install trees and shrubs.

In Section 1 of judging standards, the unity, balance and aesthetics of plants must show overall attractiveness. All components of landscaping must work together in harmony and complement each other. The design can use formal symmetry or informal asymmetry.

Section 2 concerns the quality of planted areas. Annual flowers, perennial plants and trees must be attractive, well maintained and free from disease. Shrubbery should be pruned and trimmed properly. Hardware for sidewalks and edging should be in good condition.

If the property correctly passed the first two sections, Section 3 will evaluate the property’s clean and neat appearance of all aspects of the lawn and mulched beds. The space should include a variety of colorful, healthy annuals, such as flowers, ornamental grasses and ground covers, like ivy or ajuga.

For more information, visit www.madisonal.gov. Click the “Community” menu, and then click “Boards & Committees.” Next, click “Beautification & Tree Board.”