Yard Waste and Fall Leaves
Did you know grass clippings and leaves blown into the street during yard maintenance end up in storm drains and waterways? This causes problems in the city’s stormwater drainage system and can lead to flooding. It's also a violation of City Code and can result in fines.  

Instead of blowing leaves yard waste into the street try:
- Composting: Researchers found that mulching leaves in the fall resulted in a greener lawn and up to 80% less dandelions the following springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a form of recycling that prevents filling our landfills, helps prevent pollution, enriches soils and reduces the production of methane gas.  

- Mulching: Using a mower to shred leaves speeds up their decomposition. The shredded leaves make excellent mulch and can be used in flower or vegetable gardens as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. 

For more info, check out the Think Outside the Lawn: Managing Yard Waste & Landscape Debris brochure (pdf)

​Blocked Street Drains Can Cause Flooding Unswept debris has the potential to flow into vital drainage systems, creating blockages that could cause flooding during the next rain or snow storm. Please remember that the drains on our streets are there for a very functional and important reason, and avoid letting yard debris (branches, clipping, leaves, etc.) move into the street and possibly down the gutter and into the drain.

​To report a blocked drain, please call the City’s Stormwater Division at 719-385-ROAD (7623) or via the City’s free GoCoSprings App  (available at  https://www.coloradosprings.gov/gocosprings)

When it comes to making your lawn work better for you and your family – by decreasing maintenance, dealing with weeds, getting rid of pesky insects or even changing grass types – Colorado State University (CSU) Extension has the resources to get you pointed in the right direction.
See them all at https://engagement.source.colostate.edu/colorado-lawn-care-best-practices/

Generally, Colorado law supports your right to prune your neighbor’s tree branches back to the property line, as long as you don’t harm the tree in the process. While you don’t need your neighbor’s permission to prune branches encroaching on your property, it may be best to provide advance notice of your intentions. 

Here’s the scoop: if the tree is growing on your neighbor’s property, you can cut off any part of the tree that extends over the property line into your yard.

1. Is the tree in the neighbor’s land or on the property line?
Take a close look at the property line on the city map or a recent survey. Is the tree trunk growing 100% on property that belongs to your neighbor? Or is it sitting on the property line? You might think you have more rights to cut it if it is on the property line, but this is not the case. In most jurisdictions, if the tree is a “property line” tree, neither neighbor can cut it without the other’s permission.

2. Can I cut off the entire branch to make sure it doesn’t grow back into my property?
Nope. You can only cut the part of the branch that extends over the property line, not one inch more. You’ll want to check to be sure you know exactly where that line is.

3. Can I go onto my neighbor’s land to trim the tree?
You cannot set foot in the neighbor’s property without their consent. It would be considered trespass. You must make the cuts from your own property.

4. What if big tree branches are involved and an arborist says cutting them may kill the tree?
The rule in most jurisdictions is that you cannot destroy or harm the overall health of the tree. This is one of the most important limitations to your right to trim overhanging branches: trimming must not damage or kill the tree. If you or someone you hire prunes too much and harms the health of the tree, the neighbor can sue you for property damage and even for replacement costs for the tree.

How Best to Proceed

• If a neighbor’s tree has grown so that branches are hanging over the property line into your yard, the best first step is to find out the law that applies in your state, in your town, and in your residence. Talk with an attorney if you have a hard time figuring out what the law provides.
• After that, talk to the owner of the property. This may be your neighbor, but it might not, if the property is rented. Describe the problem and ask for their cooperation. If you can afford it, offer to split the cost of hiring an arborist to trim the trees on the property.
• As an alternative, propose cutting the branches at the property line yourself, with the owner of the adjacent property present.

Now is a good time to help your neighbors by ensuring the foliage at your home does not impede movement or visibility. 

Maintain tree branches at 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet over streets which keeps branches from impacting pedestrians walking on the sidewalks and keeps vehicles free from being hindered/scratched in the roads.  If your trees are located close to a street corner and/or a stop sign, you may need to trim your branches a bit more to avoid visually impacting a driver's ability to see the oncoming traffic or street sign.

2.3.2 BUSHES AND FLOWERS Trim bushes to maintain a pleasant shape and to not intrude on sidewalks or the road. Remove dead bushes and flowers and replace with like kind/number. 

2.3.3 TREES Tree branches may not dip lower than 8 feet along sidewalks and 14 feet next to the street. Remove dead trees and their stumps, and usually replace with a new tree as soon as possible. Tree sprouts at the base of the former tree or tree suckers are not an acceptable tree replacement. Tree removal and replacement require a DRR. 

View the PCVA Community Guidelines at https://www.pcva.org/uploads/7/8/8/7/78875826/pcva_guidelines_with_addendums_-_december_2023.pdf

If you are planning to reduce your landscape watering needs​, please understand the difference between "Xeriscape" and "Zeroscape".  PCVA encourages xeriscaping, not barren rock yards. The Community Guidelines include an approved plant palette and even a dedicated Xeriscape Planting section with recommended low-water trees, shrubs, and perennials.  See the Community Guidelines at https://www.pcva.org/uploads/7/8/8/7/78875826/pcva_guidelines_with_addendums_-_december_2023.pdf

Xeriscape is a landscaping method that reduces water use while still using living plants. The name comes from the Greek word xeros, meaning "dry."

Typical features include:

• Native or drought-tolerant plants
• Ornamental grasses
• Flowering perennials
• Shrubs and trees
• Mulch to retain moisture
• Decorative boulders
• Efficient drip irrigation
• Limited areas of turf grass

A good xeriscape is usually lush, colorful, and attractive—just with plants that thrive on less water.

Zeroscape isn't an official landscaping term. People generally use it to describe a yard that consists of:

• Mostly gravel or rock
• Few or no plants
• Little or no irrigation

While this may require less watering initially, it has several drawbacks:

• Rocks absorb and radiate heat, making the yard much hotter.
• It provides little habitat for birds and pollinators.
• Weeds still grow unless maintained.
• It can actually increase water needs for the few remaining plants because of reflected heat.

In practice, the Modifications Committee generally looks for landscapes that:

• Include a variety of approved living plants.
• Balance rock or mulch with vegetation.
• Provide visual interest and neighborhood compatibility.
• Conserve water without creating an expanse of decorative rock only

          **  THE MODIFICATIONS COMMITTEE WILL NOT APPROVE ZEROSCAPE REQUESTS **

Examples in pictures:
                                                  Zeroscape                                                                                                                Xeriscape