Landscaped areas typically have a lifetime of 20-25 years. The original SSW landscape was developed and included in the neighborhood design to enhance and beautify the neighborhood as well as to distinguish it from other residential areas. Association members may well agree that the layout of this area was a major attraction when purchasing their home. Landscaping affects the value of each of our homes and Shady Woods West real estate values as well.
Although adequate TLC and maintenance has been provided over the years, plant selection and soil as well as watering patterns and techniques, trimming and pruning dictate the life span of trees, shrubs and perennials. Eventually, routine gardening, amendments, incidental replacements, mulching and “tweaking” will no longer sustain the aesthetic of the original landscape. Irrigation systems deteriorate and become antiquated or ineffective as plant materials grow and mature.
And, finally, unreliable broken lighting and overgrown conditions present a safety concern to residents. Sure footing and a secure route for all is our goal. New and improved lamps and posts and subtle landscape lighting will provide reliable light that is unaffected by weather and wind.
The grounds crew with volunteers will oversee the demolition, installation and maintenance of the landscape renovations. Professional contractors will be utilized as reflected in the budget. All who volunteer will be provided information and training on the watering, weeding, pruning and trimming methods and techniques required to maintain our renovated landscape. The grounds crew will organize and collaborate with volunteers and genuinely welcome all who wish to help with this project.
Where:
In the traffic circles at Brandywine, Stonybrook & Alameda, 36th Court and 37th & Stonybrook entrance(demolition and hardscape). 37th & Stonybrook entrance will be planted and 34th Terrace and Wanamaker entrance will be renovated when the expansion of Wanamaker Drive is completed(fall, ’12).
What:
- Remove rocks, trees, shrubs and plants from designated areas to bare ground.
- Remove roots, landscape materials, light fixtures, irrigation equipment.
- Amend soil.
- Replace antiquated and broken irrigation system with cost-effective and water-conserving drip irrigation.
- Add timers to the irrigation system to assure regular and regulated irrigation.
- Install electrical posts on Brandywine and 36th Court.
- Replace electric lamps and posts.
- Add hardscape to 37th & Stonybrook entrance.
When:
- Fall demolition of Brandywine, 36th Court, 37th & Stonybrook
- Fall or spring installation of 37th and Stonybrook hardscape.
- Late fall installation of electrical posts, lamps and posts.
- Spring planting of trees, shrubs and perennials.
- Spring installation of the irrigation system.
Comments and Questions:
You are invited to contact members of the grounds committee with your questions and comments. Members of the committee are Joe and Pam Foreman, Don Catron, Errol Williams, Jeff Sorenson and Jane and John Fowler. Phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses are in the directory.
Submitted by Jane W. Fowler
10/18/11
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