Do you know the difference between “XERIscaping” and “ZEROscaping”?  One is allowable in the PCVA community, and one is not.  Before you submit your Design Review Request (DRR) to the Modifications Committee for approval, it’s important to know what’s what with respect to landscaping changes.
 
Colorado Statute 37-60-126 has established the state water conservation and drought mitigation plan.  XERIscaping is a part of that plan.  Per the PCVA Guidelines, Section 4.13.6, xeriscaping is defined as “the principles of landscape planning and design, soil analysis and improvement, appropriate plant selection, limitation of turf area, use of mulches, irrigation efficiency, and appropriate maintenance that results in water use efficiency and water-saving practices.”  Requests for xeriscaped yards MUST include plant material, to include but not limited to trees and shrubbery.
 
Xeriscaping is not to be confused with “zeroscaping,” where the property is completely covered with rock and devoid of any plant or mulch materials.  Requests for zeroscaped yards will NOT be approved.
 
Check out the PCVA Guidelines, especially Sections 4.13.8 and 4.13.9 for additional information on xeriscaping requirements in the front/corner and side/rear yards, respectively.  Homeowners are encouraged to consider all Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) guidelines for drought-tolerant and water-wise plants. The Modifications Committee will consider the selections and will add plants to the approved PCVA plant palette in the Guidelines, as appropriate; requests for invasive species will not be approved, however. The CSU website is www.csu.org, and additional information may be found at https://www.waterwiseplants.
 
Remember that for any landscaping changes, homes must be fully landscaped.  PCVA Guidelines, Section 4.13.8 gives the minimum plant quantities for front and visible corner yards per square footage of yard:

• Up to 12,000 square feet              2 trees, 8 shrubs and 15 perennials
• 12,000 square feet or greater      3 trees, 12 shrubs and 25 perennials

 
Should you need a copy of the PCVA Guidelines, it may be found on PCVA.org at https://www.pcva.org/governing-documents.html
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During a recent site inspection, it was noted that there are many low-hanging branches in the parkway areas along many owners' lots. We would like to take the opportunity to kindly remind all owners to trim up their street trees and all shrubs and trees on your lot. 

​If you notice a low hanging branch of a common area tree (not in someone's yard, but within the Common Grounds of Pine Creek, please send an email to CommunityCare@ehammersmith.com and we will issue a work order to Tall Timbers, the arborist for Pine Creek. Tall Timbers performs trimming work orders on a weekly basis, and Pine Creek already subscribes to the Tree Maintenance Program with them so there is no additional charge for trimming.

​Please see below on what your Association's Guidelines have to say about tree and shrub maintenance:
2.3.2 BUSHES AND FLOWERS
Bushes must be trimmed to maintain a pleasant shape and to not intrude on sidewalks or the road. Dead
bushes and flowers must be removed. Removed bushes that count towards the guidelines-required number
of plant material must be replaced.
2.3.3 TREES
Trees along sidewalks must be trimmed so no branches are lower than 8 feet. Dead trees must be removed,
including the stump, and usually replaced by a new tree. Number and placement of trees may be found in
Section 4.13. Tree removal and replacement requires a Design Review Request (DRR) submitted to the MC.

There are many factors to consider on how much and how often you should water, but Colorado Springs Utilities provides some good info to consider at https://www.csu.org/Pages/Wateringyouryard.aspx and a fact sheet of how to "cycle and soak" water to maximize your watering efficiency by watering a little bit at a time is available at https://www.csu.org/CSUDocuments/cyclesoak.pdf
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Watering Tips

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption. Learn about this technique by watching a short video on cycle soak irrigation.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
• Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it’s still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
• Choose shrubs and ground covers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
• Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" also add value to your property.
• Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Learn more at ​https://www.csu.org/pages/outside-the-home.aspx