Landscaping & Common Grounds

Woodland Canopy

Mature Oaks & Maples

Inspected by certified arborists

Community Survey

2026 Master Plan

Focus on native plants & shade turf

Homeowner Program

50/50 Cost Share

For abutting common ground projects

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 (bwcahoaboard@gmail.com) 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 cleanup
Tree Canopy Hazard Limbs (Common Ground)	BWCA Contractor	Inspected and pruned annually by certified arborists
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

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 bwcahoaboard@gmail.com.