Town Crier Articles

The NTRA uses a commercial landscaping contractor, James River Grounds Management (JRGM), to provide the Association with landscaping services throughout the year. This is a standard service for each lot and is not customized landscaping for our residents. A more customized landscaping package would cost considerably more than we are currently paying.  This article is the first of a series of Town Crier reminders that will address the landscaping services that homeowners receive from JRGM so that owners can better understand which services will be provided throughout the year.

 

Spring brings the pruning of trees and shrubs and the mulching of tree and flowerbeds to all of our neighborhoods.  So, as a homeowner what services can you expect to receive?

 

JRGM will be pruning ornamental shrubs that are less than 12 feet tall; they are scheduled to start in March, weather permitting. Services begin in the Shirley Park/Village Walk neighborhoods and move through our neighborhoods, ending in Charlotte Park. Ornamental shrubs will be pruned, thinned and/or shaped to enhance the quality of their appearance. Boxwoods and other specialty ornamental plants are generally not pruned although special exceptions can be made if requested in writing. Trees, up to 15 feet high will also be pruned as needed. If your trees are larger than 15 feet, you are responsible for their care. In addition to this spring pruning, additional pruning services will be provided two more times during the year, roughly in the summer and fall.  

 

JRGM also provides one annual mulching service for our common area landscape beds, including ornamental tree and shrub beds, and home foundation planting beds, using shredded dark brown hardwood mulch. All beds will be edged in such a way that the bed areas are not enlarged.  Prior to applying mulch, weeds will be removed from beds and pre-emergent herbicide will be applied to help control future weed growth. When this preparation is complete, mulch will be applied to achieve a total depth of 2-3 inches. (Note that old mulch is not removed during this service.) This process is nearing completion. 

 

Residents have the option to opt out of James River Grounds landscaping services if they so desire by contacting Chesapeake Bay Management, our management company.  

 

Next month we will outline what you can expect to see regarding mowing, edging, and turf maintenance.