The landscape maintenance company provides basic maintenance, including mowing lawns once a week; pruning and trimming of crabapple trees, shrubs and hedges, as needed (usually one to three times a year); and removing leaves in the fall.

Our landscape maintenance contracts do not include the following: removing dead shrubs and trees planting grass, pruning shade trees in common areas, and filling in areas with dirt of rock. These kinds of jobs require a work order and should be reported to American Community Management, Inc. In some cases, Board approval may be necessary before a work order is issued.

The Board provides the maintenance company with detailed directions specifying how to trim and prune each type of shrub on our property (height, width, shape, etc.). The crew has been instructed to take directions only from their own supervisor, the Board, or the community manager. Homeowners should not make requests or give directions to the maintenance crew. Instead, communicate any concerns to American Community Management.

Insect, Disease and Weed Control

The crabapple trees and honeysuckle bushes are sprayed one to three times in the spring to control insects and disease.

The lawns are sprayed in the spring and fall for fertilization and weed control. Weeds that sprout in rock areas are sprayed periodically.

When lawn spraying is done, small flags are placed in the ground to notify residents. A phone number is listed on the flags that you can call if you need any additional information. If you need additional information about spraying dates, etc., please contact American Community Management.

Outdoor Furniture, Toys, Etc.

Bikes, toys, etc. must be put away each night and should not be left out on the lawn during the day when the landscape crew is mowing and/or trimming, etc.
Patio furniture, picnic tables, etc., must not be left out on the lawn. Due to liability, the maintenance crew will not move furniture in order to mow.
Outdoor statuary, knickknacks, artificial flowers, etc. are discouraged. They may be damaged, broken, or stolen, and are the sole responsibility of the homeowner. Landscape lighting (e.g. Malibu lights) must be approved by the Board.

An EXTERIOR MODIFICATION REQUEST is required. Forms are available from American CommunityManagement.

Watering

Homeowner are responsible for watering trees, shrubs, and lawns around their units. Usually in the summer, we experience some extended dry periods. Plants need to be watered thoroughly at least once a week so they do not become stressed and susceptible to disease and insect damage.

Other homeowner Responsibilities

In order to keep the property looking sharp, homeowners are encouraged to:

- Secure and pick up trash that blows into the areas around their units
-Remove stray weeds in the rock/mulch beds that have managed to survive despite spraying
-Plant grass seed or sod in bare areas around their units
-Make sure children and/or pets do not damage lawns, trees, and plantings
-Immediately clean up after pets

Planting seasonal flowers

Homeowners are encouraged to plant seasonal flowers (annuals). Flowers should be planted in containers (pots, planters, hanging baskets, etc.) rather than in the ground. Containers must be placed in the rock/mulch areas, on concrete, or on decks and not on the lawns.

Homeowners who plant flowers are responsible for maintaining a neat appearance and removing containers and dead pants at the end of the season.

Please be advised that if you plant flowers in the ground, you do so at your own risk. It is possible that they may be accidentally damaged or destroyed in the process of mowing, trimming, or spraying weeds and neither the Association, American Community Management, nor the landscape maintenance company will be responsible for replacement or reimbursement.

Vegetables may not be planted in the ground; tomatoes may be grown in containers in the rear of the units only.

Climbing plants that attach themselves to the buildings and can damage wood or brick are not permitted.

Landscape improvements

Any requests for replacement of shrubs or trees should be made in writing to the Landscape Committee or Board of Directors. Requests may or may not be approved, based on availability of funds, number of requests made, need, and so forth.

Homeowners may be allowed to purchase and plant approved shrubs, trees, etc. However, before any work is done, homeowners who wish to plant anything in the ground, including any shrub, tree, or plant that is intended to last more than one season, must first submit an EXTERIOR MODIFICATION REQUEST and obtain approval from the Board of Directors. An Exterior Modification Request must also be submitted if you wish to remove or transplant any tree or shrub. Exterior Modification Request forms are available from American Community Management.

Do-lt-Yourselfers

If you prefer to do your own pruning or trimming of some or all of your shrubs, you should contact a Board member for approval. Homeowners who are approved to do their own pruning/trimming must keep their shrubs neatly trimmed and must maintain them at the specified size shape, etc.