The growing season is now underway, as the onset of rain showers makes grass grow faster than it will later in the year. 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.

It’s Time to Mow! - Grass grows quickly this time of year. BCA regularly hears from residents concerned with a lack of attention to necessary mowing on residential properties. During some periods of the growing season, mowing will need to occur every 7-10 days. Now is also a great time to add weed control to your lawn.

Property Maintenance Standards: BCA reminds residents to review the Property Maintenance Standards, which include the requirement that all turf must be maintained at a height not to exceed six inches. They also state that 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. Proactive inspections for compliance with these standards are ongoing throughout the community.

Curb Strip Maintenance and Improvements - Curb strips are the areas of turf between the edge of the sidewalk and the roadway curb. Curb strips located on VDOT maintained roadways adjacent to private property are not maintained by BCA, and the Association does not provide mowing or turf restoration service in these areas. VDOT rights-of-way that are adjacent to private property are to be maintained by the private property owner. Not sure if your curb strip is a right-of-way? Visit the Loudoun County Parcel Database to search for more information about your curb strip. It’s also important to note that any modification to a VDOT right-of-way is subject to VDOT regulations. Click here for more information, or submit an online concern to VDOT.

Thinking of Installing an Irrigation System? - Irrigation systems require review and approval by the Covenants Committee prior to installation. Submission requirements include a copy of the recorded plat showing the location of the irrigation heads. Please be aware when installing irrigation systems that the front property lines of most lots do not extend to the public street and are typically located a few feet behind the curb and gutter or public sidewalk. More information about irrigation system guidelines can be found here.

Gutter Extension Reminder - BCA approval is required for all downspout extensions, which must be buried in such a manner to adequately manage runoff and not impact the drainage on adjoining properties and open spaces, including common areas. All drainage must terminate within your property line. Above-ground extensions of downspouts are not permitted. More information regarding Brambleton Design Guidelines can be found here. The Design Review Application and FAQs can be found here.

Yard Waste Collection Reminder - BCA would like to share a friendly reminder that Republic Services will no longer recycle any yard waste contained in plastic bags, clear or otherwise. Yard waste consisting of grass clippings and leaves must be placed in dedicated containers or in paper “yard waste” bags for collection. Yard waste decals for containers are available at the BCA Management Office. Click here for a full overview of Republic Services’ collection guidelines. Contact hoa@brambleton.org with any questions. Yard debris is collected by Republic Services on Tuesdays (March - December).