Many homeowners that are removing dead trees on their property are doing so without the prior approval of the Modifications Committee. Many homeowners are also not replacing the trees removed. Please note that dead tree removal is an exterior modification and there are community design guidelines that apply to their removal and replacement. These guidelines are in place to ensure that Pine Creek maintains its landscaped community with beautiful and dynamic yard designs.

​Please be sure you have submitted a completed Design Review Request (to include the "DRR" form, images of the tree/location, and also the specification on the proposed replacement tree) via your online homeowner portal for Modification's review and approval before initiating work. The modification request process is outlined at https://www.pcva.org/submit-a-design-review-request.html.

The following Community Guidelines (https://www.pcva.org/uploads/7/8/8/7/78875826/pcva_community_guidelines_august_20_2020__1_.pdf) sections will be helpful to you in your tree project:

• 4.13.3 Minimum Plant Material Sizes (replacement trees should be at least 2" caliper (trunk girth) for deciduous varieties and 5-foot height for all evergreen tree varieties)
• 4.13.4 Plant Material Selection (please select a tree from the Pine Creek Plant Pallette as your replacement tree)
• 4.13.7 Street Tree Landscape and Parkways(there are specific details that apply to "street trees" or the trees along the sidewalk of a property opposed to trees within the front or backyard)
• 4.13.8 Front Yard Landscape (if you are planning to remove a tree from your yard and propose to not replace it, please ensure that your yard will still meet the guidelines on the minimum planting requirements in Pine Creek)

Under the City rules, residents that use sprinklers and other irrigation systems to water lawns and gardens may only do so three times a week. From May 1 to Oct. 15, landscape watering must take place before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Learn more and see the The Integrated Water Resource Plan at www.csu.org/Pages/waterwiserules.aspx

These tips from Colorado Springs Utilities will help keep your lawn healthy while following the water wise rules.
https://www.csu.org/Pages/WateringYourYard.aspx

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)

Other Ways to Think Outside the Lawn
- Stop erosion by covering bare ground with grass, gravel or mulch
- Direct runoff by installing swales or berms to slow waster down. Direct gutters and downspouts into green areas.
- Consider water gardens. The benefits include pollution control, flooding protection, habitat creation and water conservation
- Prevent blowing dust by covering gravel and dirt piles
- Consider a rain barrel. They divert water from our drainage systems and the water can be used to grow healthy and lush plants.

​Blocked Street Drains Can Cause FloodingUnswept 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 you decide to replace a dead tree (and you are sure it is actually dead), you must submit a Design Review Request (DRR) with the type and size of the tree you plan to plant BEFORE you initiate the replacement to receive approval from the Modifications Committee. 

​Minimum sizes for planting new trees in Pine Creek per the Community Guidelines are:

• Deciduous Trees: 2-inch caliper
• Evergreen Trees: 5-foot height
• Ornamental Trees: 1½-inch caliper

Review the tree choices and landscaping requirements in the Community Guidelines at https://www.pcva.org/uploads/7/8/8/7/78875826/pcva_community_guidelines_august_20_2020.pdf

Review the modifications approval process and download the DRR form at https://www.pcva.org/submit-a-design-review-request.html