Landscaping Updates
Residential Street Tree Pruning Update for October
Neighborhoods scheduled for October are all Sweetwater neighborhoods, Sweetwater Estates, Colony Woods, Travis Park, Austin Park, Colony Park, Stephens Grant, Colony Cove, Enclave at Grants Lake, Englewood Place Estates, The Lakes, Meadow Lakes and Hall Lake. For more information on the program, visit our website at www. firstcolony. org.
The pruning will consist of raising the canopy of street trees to provide clearance that meets city requirements. Limbs that are removed will be chipped and hauled away from the property on the same day the pruning takes place. Street trees are those located in the area between the sidewalk and the street; yard trees are not included in this service. As the trees are a living organism and are constantly growing, additional pruning may need to be done between visits. This is the responsibility of the homeowner as well as any damaged limbs that may need to be removed.
If you wish to continue to maintain your own street trees, you may do so by using the form located on our website to notify FCCSA no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the month of your neighborhood’ s scheduled pruning. If you opt out of the program and later choose to join, your street trees will not be pruned until the next scheduled pruning of your neighborhood. You will need to inform FCCSA in writing if you choose to opt back into the program. Also, if you choose to maintain your own street trees and receive a violation notice from the City or from FCCSA, you will be responsible for bringing your trees into compliance and for any fines incurred for failure to do so.
For more information about the program, please go to our website at www. firstcolony. org. You may also contact Bill Grantham at 281-634-9568 or e-mail at landscape @ firstcolony. org.
5 Fall Landscape Tips for a Healthier Spring
Fall is a great time to tackle the small things that can make a big difference next spring. A few practical steps now can help keep landscapes healthier, cleaner and better prepared for the season ahead.
9 Clean up planting beds Remove fallen debris, spent seasonal color and dead growth. Keeping beds clean not only improves appearance but can also help reduce places where pests and disease can develop.
9 Stay ahead of cool-season weeds Weeds can begin establishing before they become noticeable. Pay attention to open soil and thinning turf now to help prevent a bigger problem later.
9 Watch for drainage and erosion issues After rainfall, look for standing water, runoff or areas where soil is washing away. Catching these issues early can help prevent more significant landscape problems down the road.
9 Adjust irrigation as temperatures cool Shorter days and milder temperatures generally mean landscapes need less water than they did during peak summer. Adjusting irrigation accordingly can help conserve water and avoid problems caused by excess moisture.
9 Give shrubs and edges a light cleanup Fresh edges and light shaping can keep landscapes looking polished heading into the holiday season. Save major pruning for the appropriate time based on the plant variety.
A little attention in the fall can go a long way toward a healthier, better-looking landscape next spring.
Presented by Ethoscapes Commercial Landscape Solutions Across Greater Houston – www. ethoscapestx. com
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