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_july_24_2018.pdf

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

​PCVA Is experiencing systemic issues with trees that are not leafing out or are partially leafing out. This is a result of the early hard freeze in the Fall of 2019 and the recent hard freeze in April. Some trees are experiencing additional stress from sparse winter watering, herbicides, age or pests. Local tree nurseries and the City Forestry Office have offered the following information and guidance:

• Please allow several more weeks for trees to leaf-out if they have no (or only partial) leaf-out now. If the tree is gradually progressing, it could be Fall before the tree is fully leafed-out.
• Provide extra water to the tree as necessary with infrequent deep soakings and consider watered-in tree fertilizer.
• Consult a local tree nursery for best practices for your tree type.
• Prune carefully to avoid removing live branches which can help the tree recover.
• The condition of the tree may warrant professional inspection and advice from an arborist or skilled landscaper before contemplating removal.
• If the branches, twigs and stems, buds are still pliable, and have green inside the tree may survive and leaf-out later in the summer.
• If larger and smaller branches are brittle and stiff, break easily, have no green inside, no sign of green buds, if the tree failed out leaf-out last year, or the tree has suffered from any pest or diseases, the tree may have reached the end of its life and need to be replaced 

​Please see the City’s Forestry webpage for further recommendations for tree care and new tree selection guides for our area: https://coloradosprings.gov/forestry.

The Association also has an approved Plant and Tree list you can see by logging into your homeowner account at  https://portal.ehammersmith.com.

Our trees provide shade to cool our homes, privacy, clean our air, provide natural beauty and add intrinsic value to our Community, so please endeavor to replace trees if they are removed.

• Please refer to the PCVA Community Guidelines for landscaping and submit a design review request for approval prior to work commencing.
• Please also hire a licensed arborist or tree service company for removing any large dead trees that can cause injury or damage to homes and property.
• Please don’t cut down trees that belong to other owners or allow children to climb or rip off tree limbs.
• Our PCVA contracted arborist is currently treating our Community trees for pests and has conducted a condition inventory of our trees which number in the thousands.
• Please contact the PCVA Community Manager at PineCreek@ehammersmith.com for additional questions or concerns.

Please examine your sidewalks for offsets or uneven surfaces (usually from tree roots) and have them repaired as soon as weather allows.  As always, you are welcome to report issues with homeowner or PCVA property to PineCreek@ehammersmith.com. ​

​Per the community guidelines (3.2), homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation and sidewalks within the easements on their property.  Lot owners are also responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation and sidewalks in the street right-of-way from the back of curb to their property line.

According to city code, homeowners must ensure their sidewalks are clean and undamaged to allow pedestrians to pass freely.  The city can levy a fine for sidewalk litter, debris, obstructions or projections or a homeowner may be liable for injuries sustained on a damaged or uneven sidewalk.

​Review the responsibility of real property owners pertaining to sidewalks (3.4.103) at http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=855&chapter_id=62665 and property maintenance  (6.12.305 C)  at https://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=855&chapter_id=62719#s599038 and keeping them free of litter (9.6.206 B) at  https://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=855&chapter_id=62819#s599658

Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation and sidewalks within the easements on their property.  Lot owners are also responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation and sidewalks in the street right-of-way from the back of curb to their property line. With the days and nights warming up, now is a good time to repair each 'winter kill' damaged area of your lawn with sod or seed and look around your property for other items needing repair.

The new water-wise rules help us all to responsibly use an extremely limited resource. After all, we're a growing community in a semi-arid climate. And, we've learned that we can maintain vibrant, healthy landscapes in our community with responsible watering practices.

There are 6 key water-wise rules you should know.

• Run sprinklers no more than 3 days per week.  You choose the days.
• From May 1 to Oct. 15, run sprinklers before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• Do not let water pool or flow across the ground.
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
• Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing vehicles and equipment.
• Only use water for cleaning outdoor surfaces, like driveways and sidewalks, to protect public health/safety.

See more information to and get help from the experts at https://www.csu.org/Pages/waterwiserules.aspx