The sun is back, and it’s time to take stock after the snowy winter and windy start to spring. We want to share the following timely updates and resources related to frequently asked questions in the community. If you need more information or have questions, please contact us at communitystandards@brambleton.org or call 703-542-6263.

Landscape Bed Maintenance - Mulching landscape beds is one of the best ways to prevent weeds from growing out of control. Turf areas and mulched landscape beds are to be kept as weed-free as reasonable. At no time shall weed cover exceed more than 25% of the total turf area or 10% of mulched areas. A major summer-annual grass in landscape beds is large crabgrass; smooth crabgrass is primarily a turf weed. More information and tips on how to best handle this common problem can be found here.

Mulching Must-Knows - Please remember that only black and brown colored mulch is permitted in landscape beds within Brambleton. Red or brightly colored mulch and rubber mulch products are not permitted. Plan ahead by reviewing BCA’s landscaping guidelines here.

Landscaping Modifications - Interested in making changes or upgrades to your existing landscaping? Please check out BCA’s Landscaping Guidelines to determine if your intended modification requires a Design Review Application and subsequent approval by the Covenants Committee.

Tree Care Reminders - Early spring is a great time to prune trees. Residents are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining trees and bushes on their property. These responsibilities include:

• Trimming/pruning trees to a minimum of 8 feet above the sidewalk to allow for free, unobstructed passage on the sidewalk;
• Maintaining all trees and landscaping within the scale of the property;
• Removing tree stakes which have been in place for more than one year; and
• Removing dead plant material promptly and planning for required replacements.  

When to prune trees depends largely on the intended result. Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done anytime.

Vegetable Gardens - Vegetable gardens must be located in the rear of the home. Gardens exceeding 50 square feet in area must have prior approval from the Covenants Committee. A border not to exceed 24 inches in height may be installed to provide for a raised bed. Cinderblocks and other raw building materials are not approved border materials. A “rabbit fence” or similar fence may be erected to provide for pest control but must not exceed three feet in height. Vegetable gardens must be maintained in a neat manner, all plant debris must be removed, and the soil must be turned at the end of the growing season. More information about vegetable gardens can be found here.

Construction and Landscaping Materials - Homeowners are reminded that construction and landscaping materials of any kind may not be stored in common parking lots, common areas, or in the street. Nothing, including excavated materials (grass clippings, turf, dirt, sand, rocks, etc.), may be dumped in any wooded areas, common areas, storm drains, or wetlands. Yard debris is collected by Republic Services on Tuesdays (March - December); click here for detailed collection guidelines.