Groundskeeping: Improvements

We recently had Edmonds Landscaping come out to begin our much needed pruning and clearing project. The first phase saw heavy clearing between A and B building, and removal of an oversized tree. It included taking out underbrush there, and pruning overgrowth in entryway planters. The second phase of clearing will happen later in the year during the season when heavy pruning of trees and vines is best accomplished. That will include our north fenceline and the boundary line behind C building.

Little known fact:  You might not know, but it's true, the Association has a 3-foot easement through your limited common area in back, which has to be maintained for access by the pest control service or in the case of emergency as an exit route. Now is a good time to do some of your own pruning!

Clearing between buildings A and B has really improved
our appearance and added security as well.

New Bio-Swale Ditch:  Last year, we were told by Snohomish County that the drainage ditch out front was not in to code, and that we must improve the area to bring it into compliance with the county code. Why is this important? Well, paved areas and other improvements increase stormwater runoff which can overload the sewer system and flush pollutants into the watershed and ultimately, into Puget Sound. We hired Edmonds Landscaping to do the work, which has just been completed.

A bio-swale is designed to collect, hold and slow the velocity of runoff so that drainage is not clogged, and the design of our ditch has elements that will accomplish that:  inflow culverts are at grade to catch building and pavement runoff, outflow culvert is above grade, to retain stormwaters and help slow the velocity of runoff, and wetland sedges and grasses have been added to help "slow the flow." Existing gravel was dug up and removed, and clay bearing soil was tamped down to help retain the water and provide filtering.  What can you do to help? Remind your children that the swale is not a play area, so we can protect our investment and see it grow healthy. Avoid littering which will collect in the area and clog drainage. And you can be proud, too, that you, as a homeowner, and a good steward, are contributing to the health of Puget Sound.

Plantings of rushes and grasses will slow stormwater runoff

The main inflow culvert, which drains from driveway pavement

For more interesting information on bio-swales and surface water management, here are some interesting links: Snohomish County and Code Requirements; Engineering for Biofiltration.

Board Notes:  The Board held a special meeting to discuss future improvement projects, budget, contracts, and changes to our rules and regulations document, on August 3. We will contract for chimney sweep services through our manager, T-Square, as well as for improvements to security lighting. Both services will most likely take place around the end of August. Changes to the rules and regulations will be submitted to the homeowners at our next annual meeting, and they will include adding more detail about parking, garbage bins, appearance and complaint reports. Until then, homeowners with complaints are urged to report them to our management company, T-Square, care of Theresa Beers.