Courtyard Caller
March 2022
Volume 18, Number 03
Spring Reminders What gorgeous weather! Everyone wants to get outside and spruce up the yard in anticipation for the spring and summer. Here are some tips and reminders for all of us sharing this beautiful area in the Courtyard: Don’t blow leaves into the street or down into the ravine – bag them (and don’t store the bags on the curb – put them out on Thursday evening, along with your bins). Remember that COMPOST bins are subject to the same rules as trash and recycling bins – they must be stored out of sight of the street as well as neighboring properties! Make sure your landscape crew knows and follows these rules. If you are lucky enough to have trees or shrubs to create shade along the street or walkways, now is the time to trim them. No branches should be extending into the sidewalk area, and a six-foot tall person should not be able to touch the lowest branch with his or her arm extended overhead. Similarly, if you have bushes near the sidewalk, make sure they are trimmed back so that they are at least one foot away from the sidewalk. So many of us walk the neighborhood that it creates a true danger if a branch could scrape or poke someone whose attention is momentarily on the beautiful scenery or if it’s dark outside. Remember: it’s OAK WILT season! The oak wilt beetle is active from February until the end of June. NO OAKS should be trimmed until July 1. Some people prefer the look of climbing vines on their home. Did you know that Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.
the vines can cause potential problems? The roots are seeking moisture and will take it from the mortar and bricks they are climbing, leading to crumbling mortar and masonry that fails. The shade and moist conditions close to the house also create the perfect habitat for roaches, other undesirable insects and rodents.
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday March 26
Spring 2022 Park Volunteer Day & Kayak Area Clean Up
The same scenario is true for trees. Climbing vines can damage and even kill the tree. Once a vine takes over the tree, it is timeconsuming and can be expensive to remove them. Controlling vine growth is important in naturalized areas, as well, so be on the lookout for vines in natural areas which abut your property.
Volunteers are needed for the annual 2022 Spring Park Volunteer Day. If you love the Park and use it, we hope you will pitch in to help us do 3 hours of clean-up & maintenance. It’s FUN and it’s a great way to get outside and join in with your neighbors for a community project!
You can save money and conserve water by converting your sprinkler system to drip irrigation for flower beds. It’s easy and relatively inexpensive if you are handy and your existing irrigation zones for sod are separate from the zones for your beds. Use pressure regulating heads, like those you will find at an irrigation supply store (not at the big box stores).
Where: The Courtyard Park, 5905 Cone
And as a general reminder: if you are sitting at the traffic light at Courtyard and southbound Loop 360, waiting to turn left, PLEASE do not be looking at your phone or be otherwise distracted. Be ready to drive as soon as the light changes to green, so that the cars behind you also have time to get through the light. Awareness is kindness! Please DRIVE SLOWLY in the Courtyard!!!
When: Saturday, March 26, 9AM – Noon Circle
Activities: Trail maintenance: Remove
downed branches from the trails and wooded areas. Bring your gloves. Snacks and water will be provided.
Contact: Terry Edwards, Park Chair at t.edwards54321@gmail.com. Or at 214392-4627
Kayak Area: All Residents who have a
space in the Kayak Storage Area will be performing the semi-annual cleanup of the Kayak Storage Area. Please contact Jim Vence at jimvence@gmail.com
Please JOIN US for a morning of fun community service!!! Courtyard Caller - March 2022
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