Landscaping & Common Grounds

2026 Community Landscaping Priorities

Based on our cluster-wide 2026 Landscaping Survey, the Board and Landscape Committee have targeted four key operational priorities to preserve our natural woodland character and safeguard cluster infrastructure:

Invasive Vine Mitigation

Aggressive containment of English Ivy, non-native bamboo, and poison ivy encroaching on tree trunks and mature woodland borders.

Tree Canopy Hazard Pruning

Proactive hazard limbing, deadwood removal, and oak and maple safety trimming by licensed arborists to protect roofs, parking bays, and pedestrian walkways.

Erosion & Drainage Control

Stabilization of stormwater swales along Park Overlook and Bentana Way using natural stone riprap, deep-root plantings, and rain runoff dispersion.

Native Groundcovers & Shade Turf

Transitioning heavily shaded, eroded slopes to resilient native ferns, pachysandra, and drought-tolerant groundcovers rather than high-maintenance lawn.

50/50 Homeowner Common Ground Cost-Share Program

To encourage continuous beautification and erosion mitigation on common property abutting private lots, the Board offers a 50/50 matching cost-share program.

How the Program Works: If a homeowner wishes to install native shade groundcovers, repair soil erosion, or plant approved understory shrubs on cluster common land directly adjacent to their townhome, the Association will reimburse 50% of verified plant and material costs (up to the Board's annual allocation cap).

Application Steps:

Submit Simple Proposal: Email the Board ([email protected]) with a sketch or photo of the proposed area and plant list.
Committee Review: The Landscape Committee reviews species to ensure they are non-invasive and deer-resistant (e.g., Christmas Fern, Pennsylvania Sedge, Mountain Laurel).
Board Pre-Approval: Written authorization confirms matching fund eligibility prior to purchase.
Plant & Reimburse: Install plantings, submit receipts, and receive prompt reimbursement!

Maintenance Responsibility Matrix

Grounds Feature	Responsible Entity	Governing Standard
Private Front/Rear Yards	Individual Homeowner	Mowed ≤ 12" height; weeded; rear yards enclosed or maintained
Common Lawn & Open Space Mowing	BWCA Contractor	Regular mowing, edging, and seasonal spring/fall cleanup
Tree Canopy Hazard Limbs & Removals	BWCA Contractor / Homeowner	Requires advance Reston Association DRB application approval & mandatory stump grinding to ground level
Tree Limbs Overhanging Private Roofs	Homeowner / BWCA Joint	Homeowners may trim branches encroaching across property line per VA law
Cluster Retaining Walls & Road Curbs	BWCA Capital Reserves	Inspected every 5 years under Virginia statutory reserve study
Tot Lot Playground & Safety Mulch	BWCA Contractor / Volunteers	Engineered safety woodchips refreshed annually

Seasonal Grounds Operations & Tree Removal Protocol

2026 Fall Leaf Removal Schedule (Sunrise Landscaping): The Board is coordinating with our grounds contractor, Sunrise Landscaping, to confirm autumn leaf removal dates across cluster common lawns, walkways, and parking bays. Confirmed crew dates for November and December will be posted here as soon as finalized. For private lot leaves, please use Saturday curbside yard waste collection in biodegradable paper lawn bags.

Cluster Tree Removal & Mandatory Stump Grinding Policy:

Advance Reston Association DRB Approval Required: All tree removals on private lots (living trees > 4" caliper or ornamental trees) and cluster common property require formal advance approval from the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB), supported by a certified arborist evaluation and BWCA Board affected-party sign-off.
Mandatory Stump Grinding to Ground Level: Under cluster standards affirmed by the Board, all tree removal contractor quotes and completed removals must include full stump grinding flush to ground level and surface restoration.
Common Property Boundary Preservation: Residents and private contractors may not dump leaves, grass clippings, branches, or soil into common woodland areas or stormwater swales, nor store personal tools or erect temporary structures on cluster common land.

Volunteer Grounds Corps & Clean-Up Days

Community participation keeps our operating dues low and neighborhood bonds strong! Join our seasonal volunteer activities:

Spring & Fall Clean-Up Days: Trail raking, litter removal, and woodland edge clearing.
Chip Drop Distribution: Free woodchips provided by arborist crews for resident garden beds and Tot Lot trail buffering.
Invasive Smothering Workgroups: Seasonal cardboard and heavy mulch smothering of stubborn ivy patches.

To join the volunteer email roster, send a quick message to [email protected].