Dominion Station Master Tree Plan

When Dominion Station was built, the developers planted trees in front of every town home to create a tree lined streetscape. It is a prime feature of the community, and one that needs to be maintained to keep up home values as the community matures. These trees are privately owned and are the responsibility of the individual property owner. Generally, these trees are small or medium size ornamental, flowering trees. They are also deciduous, meaning the tree loses its leaves in the winter. As Dominion Station gets older, so do the trees. Most ornamental trees live approximately 20-30 years; therefore, the time has come to address replacing these trees. In fact, many trees have already needed to be replaced because they grew too large for the space, or the tree died due to a weather event, disease, or blight.

This Tree Master Plan will address these replacements and will serve as a guide for the homeowner when their own private tree needs to be replaced. In some instances, the replacement tree listed is not the tree that was originally planted. This is because the original species was either too large for the space, had structural problems, or was too susceptible to disease or blight.

The plan is laid by street in alphabetical order. Each row of units has 3 tree options. The minimum size is the size the tree needs to be when purchased from the nursery, it is listed next to each tree. The tree can be either balled and burlap or container grown. The container size should be no smaller than 10 gal. 15 gal is ideal. There is a description of each tree, following the list. This plan also includes a set of guidelines for individual property owners. It includes suggestions and solutions to a variety of landscape issues that can occur on smaller town house yards.

Note – Homes with an appropriate sized tree in front of their property do not need to remove the existing tree to conform with the following list. It’s only if you’re replacing your tree, such as following its removal for death or overgrowth, that you must choose one of the trees in the listed below. Properties without an appropriate and well maintained tree are subject to fines and additional limitations.

BAGGETT TERRACE

A. 45410 – 45416:

• “Tuskarora” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Natchez” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

B. 45423 – 45435:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Star Magnolia 5’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

C. 45439 – 45451:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

D. 45473 – 45485:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

E. 40195 – 45501:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

F. 45522 – 45534:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

G. 45506 – 45518:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

H. 45502 – 45494:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

I. 45506 – 45518:

• “Tuskarora” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Acoma” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min

J. 45472 – 45462:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

K. 45454 – 45446:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

L. 45432 – 45442:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

BOX CAR SQUARE

A. 22028 – 22038:

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Rising Sun” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

B. 22018 – 22024:

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Rising Sun” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

C. 22004 – 22014:

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Rising Sun” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

D. 21990 – 22990:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame Cherry” 6’ ht. min.

E. 21974 – 21986:

• “Natchez” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Tuskarora” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

F. 21960 – 21970:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame Cherry” 6’ ht. min.

G. 21950 – 21956:

• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Any Dogwood Option 6’ ht. min.

H. 21975 – 21981:

• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.
• Cleveland Select or Capital Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Armstrong” Red Maple 6’ ht. min

I. 21089 – 22021:

• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.
• Aristocrat or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Armstrong” Red Maple 6’ ht. min

 

GOLDEN SPIKE TERRACE

A. 21947 – 21957:

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• “Okame Cherry” 6’ ht. min.

B. 21911 – 21921:

• “Muskogee” or “Twilight Crape M. 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min
• Armstrong Maple 6’ ht. min

C. 21901 – 21907:

• “Muskogee” or “Twilight Crape M. 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min
• Armstrong Maple 6’ ht. min

D. 21940 – 21954:

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• “Okame Cherry” 6’ ht. min.

 

GRAND CENTRAL SQUARE

A. 45520 – 45532:

• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountain” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

B. 45536 – 45544:

• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.

C. 45554 – 45564:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.

D. 45568 – 45582:

• “Aristocrat” or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• Armstrong Maple 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

E. 45586 – 45594:

• “Aristocrat” or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• Armstrong Maple 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

F. 45598 – 45610:

• “Aristocrat” or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

G. 45612 – 45622:

• “Aristocrat” or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

H. 45613 – 45621:

• “Aristocrat” or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

I. 45506 – 45518:

• “Aristocrat” or Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

J. 45553 – 45565:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.

K. 45519 – 45531:

• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountain” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.

 

GUILFORD STATION TERRACE

A. 22029 – 22015:

• “Tuskarora” Crape myrtle 6’ ht. min
• “Natchez” Crape myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Twighlight” or “Muskogee” Crape M. 6’ ht. min.

B. 22011 – 22001:

• “Tuskarora” Crape myrtle 6’ ht. min
• “Natchez” Crape myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Twighlight” or “Muskogee” Crape M. 6’ ht. min.

 

HUTCHENS SQUARE

A. 45521 – 45537:

• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland” Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Armstrong” Red Maple 6’ ht. min

B. 45541 – 45555:

• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland” Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Armstrong” Red Maple 6’ ht. min

C. 45561 – 45571:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

D. 45575 – 45591:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

 

IRON HORSE TERRACE

A. 45601 – 45591:

• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland” Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Armstrong” Red Maple 6’ ht. min

B. 45605 – 45611:

• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountain” Cherry 5’ ht. min.

C. 45615 – 45621:

• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

D. 45623 – 45633:

• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountain” Cherry 5’ ht. min.

E. 45640 – 45648:

• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland” Pear 6’ ht. min.
• “Armstrong” Red Maple 6’ ht. min

F. 45614 – 45622:

• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

G. 45602 – 45610:

• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

 

MANNING SQUARE

A. 21981 – 21987:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

B. 21991 – 21997:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

C. 22001 – 22011:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

D. 22015 – 22025:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

E. 22029 – 22039:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

F. 22039 – 22047:

• “Rising Sun” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Acoma” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

G. 22029 – 22039:

• “Rising Sun” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Acoma” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

H. 22069 – 22075:

• “Biloxi” or “Sioux” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Acoma” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min

I. 22072 – 22086:

• “Biloxi” or “Sioux” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Acoma” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min

J. 22042 – 22058:

• “Rising Sun” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• “Acoma” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.

K. 21967 – 21975:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

L. 21951 – 21963:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min.

 

READING TERRACE

A. 45540 – 45554:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.

B. 45460 – 45574:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.

C. 45541 – 45555:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.

D. 45567 – 45575:

• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.

 

THOMPSON SQUARE

A. 21921 – 21931:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min
• Armstrong Red Maple 6’ ht. min

B. 21935 – 21947:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min
• Armstrong Red Maple 6’ ht. min

C. 21949 – 21965:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min
• Armstrong Red Maple 6’ ht. min

D. 21936 – 21950:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• Serviceberry 6’ ht. min
• Armstrong Red Maple 6’ ht. min

 

TRESTLE TERRACE

A. 4557 – 45585

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• Japanese Maple options 5’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.

B. 45582 – 45588

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• Japanese Maple options 5’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.

C. 45570 – 45578

• “Oklahoma” Redbud 6’ ht. min.
• Japanese Maple options 5’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland Pear 6’ ht. min.

WHITCOMB SQUARE

A. 45544 – 45562:

• “Biloxi” or “Sioux” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.

B. 45553 – 45563:

• “Biloxi” or “Sioux” Crape Myrtle 6’ ht. min.
• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.

C. 45628 – 45642:

• “Kwanzan” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Aristocrat” or “Cleveland” Pear 6’ ht. min.

D. 45616 – 45624:

• “Okame’ Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min.

E. 45606 – 45612:

• “Okame’ Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min.

F. 45596 – 455602:

• “Okame’ Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Forest Pansy” Redbud 6’ ht. min.

G. 45582 – 45592:

• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.

H. 45570 – 45570:

• Any Dogwood option 6’ ht. min.
• “Okame” Cherry 6’ ht. min.
• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.

I. 45571 – 45577:

• Star Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Any Japanese Maple options 5’ ht. min

J. 45597 – 45603:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Any Japanese Maple options 5’ ht. min

K. 45637 – 45643:

• Saucer Magnolia 6’ ht. min.
• “Snow Fountains” Cherry 5’ ht. min.
• Any Japanese Maple options 5’ ht. min

 

Tree Descriptions

Armstrong Red Maple
Acer x freemanii ‘Armstrong’

A fast-growing, upright tree, reaching a height of 40 to 50 feet with a 10 to 15 foot spread, and has very attractive silver-gray bark. Red flowers in the early spring. Fall color is a showy bright red.
The narrow spread of Armstrong maple makes it suitable for areas with limited horizontal space such as a planting site close to a building, or in narrow planting strips between streets and sidewalks. As with red maple’s, this variant can withstand wet soils.

“Bloodgood” Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

A fast-growing small tree that turns bright scarlet in the fall. It is one of the hardiest of maples. The bark is dark red, and so it provides winter interest. The shape of these trees is very attractive. The leaves start out dark purple and unfold into purple green in the summer. Excellent tree for small spaces.
*Options: Acer palmatum “Crimson Queen” or “Tamukeyama”

Flowering Dogwood ‘Cherokee Princess’ pink or white
Cornus florida “Cherokee Princess”

An early and heavy flowering tree the “Cherokee Princess” is an upright growing, flowering dogwood with a straight central leader that displays large flowers. It grows 20 to 25 feet tall and spreads 12 to 15 feet wide. The fall color is bright red-purple, and has clusters of glossy red fruit mature in fall and persist into winter.

Flowering Dogwood Cloud Nine’
Cornus florida “Cloud Nine”

Cloud Nine Dogwood has spreading horizontal branches and distinctive white flowers in spring. The 3″ diameter flower clusters bloom mid-April to mid-May, attracting a number of butterflies and other pollinators. ‘Cloud 9’ flowers profusely and has clusters of glossy red fruit mature in fall and persist into winter. The leaves turn scarlet red in fall.

“Okame” Flowering Cherry
Prunus “Okame”

The “Okame” Cherry is one of the first trees to bloom in the early spring. It has an upright, vase-like shape. As the tree matures, the overall form of the small tree becomes more rounded. It will grow to a maximum height of 20 to 25 feet, with a canopy spread of 12 to 20 feet. In the fall the leaves are red to bright orange in color. This tree has a reddish-brown bark and stands out in the winter. It is also hardier than many other cherries.

“Snow Fountains” Flowering Cherry
Prunus “Snow Fountains”

Naturally weeping branches are covered with a showy fountain of snow white flowers. This tree has shiny mahogany-red bark and is a hardy small garden specimen tree. The leaves turn golden orange in the fall. Moderate grower reaches 10-15’ tall and 8’ wide. Very disease resistant. Excellent for small spaces.

Redbud “Forest Pansy”
Cercis Canadensis “Forest Pansy”

This tree blooms in early spring with long-lasting dark purple blooms that grow along the branches, before the leaves appear. The leaves are dark purple and heart shaped. They stay dark purple all summer long. Fall foliage is a mix of reds, purples, oranges, and yellows. The ‘Forest Pansy’ produces new leaves throughout the season. It grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a slightly wider spread.

Eastern redbud ‘Oklahoma’
Cercis Canadensis “Okahoma”

This tree blooms in early spring with long-lasting bright purplish-pink blooms that grow along the branches, before the leaves appear. The leaves are dark green, and heart shaped. Fall foliage is a mix of reds, purples, oranges, and yellows. It grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a slightly wider spread.

Redbud ‘Rising Sun’
Cercis Canadensis “Rising Sun”

This tree blooms in early spring with long-lasting bright purplish-pink blooms that grow along the branches, before the leaves appear. Heart-shaped foliage turns a shade of lime green in the summer heat. Ideal specimen or accent plant. It grows 10 to 12 feet tall with a slightly wider spread.

Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstromea indica

Crepe myrtle is one of the last trees to leaf out, usually leafs out in Mid to late April. The leaves are dark green changing to yellow and orange and red in autumn. Crape Myrtles bloom mid summer through early fall.

Crape Myrtle Options:

• “Natchez” White 30’ ht.
• “Acoma’ White 10-15’ht.
• “Sioux” Light Pink 20’ ht.
• “Tuskarora” Salmon Pink 25’ ht
• “Tuskeegee” Darker Pink 15 – 20’ht
• “Muskogee” Purple 20’ ht.
• “Twilight” Purple 20’ ht.
• “Red Rocket” Red 15-20’ ht.

Pear
Pyrus Calleryana ‘Aristocrat’ or ‘Cleveland Select’

The “Aristocrat” and “Cleveland Select” Pear is an early bloomer, blooms white in late March to early April. It will grow to a maximum height of 25 to 35 feet, with a canopy spread of 20 to 25 feet. In the fall the leaves are dark red to bright in color. Not to be confused with the Bradford Pear, as it has a central leader and does not lend himself to splitting in storms. This tree is drought tolerant and will withstand difficult soils.

Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana

A deciduous tree that produce large goblet-shaped flowers. The color of these flowers ranges from light to deep pink, blooming in the middle of spring. The tree gets its name due to the shape and size of its flowers, which are usually about 5 inches in diameter and can go to more than 10 inches when fully-bloomed. The leaves of this tree are dark green in color and are big and broad in shape. The bark is a smooth silvery gray. The tree grows to a height of 20 to 35 feet when fully-grown. The leaves turn bright yellow orange in the fall. These plants grow well in sunny as well as shady areas

Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata

A deciduous small tree/large shrub that produce either pink or white star shaped flowers in early spring. The leaves of this tree are deep green in color in season and turn yellow in the fall. The Star Magnolia has a smooth silvery gray bark. The tree grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet in height, and 10-12 feet wide when fully-grown. These plants grow well in sunny as well as semi-shady areas.

Serviceberry
Amalanchier grandiflora

Serviceberry is a deciduous, early-flowering, multi stemmed tree which typically grows 15-25′ tall. The flowers are white. The bark is smooth grey and the leaves turn a brilliant red in the fall. These trees are native to Virginia and are easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Root suckers are common, and if not removed, will result in a shrubby growth habit for the plant.

 

Tips on pruning trees

There are four basic methods for tree pruning:

Clean: Selective pruning to remove one or more of the following parts: dead, diseased, and/or broken branches. This type of pruning is done to reduce the risk of branches falling from the tree and to reduce the movement of decay, insects and diseases from dead or dying branches into the rest of the tree. Cleaning is the preferred pruning method for mature trees because it does not remove live branches unnecessarily.

Thin: Selective pruning to reduce density of live branches. Thinning trees reduces the density at the edge of the crown, not the interior, which increases sunlight penetration and air movement.
Raise: Selective pruning to provide vertical clearance. Crown raising shortens or removes lower branches of a tree to provide clearance for buildings, signs, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas.

Reduce: Selective pruning to decrease height and/or spread. This type of pruning is done to minimize risk of failure, to reduce height or spread, for utility line clearance, to clear vegetation from buildings or other structures, or to improve the appearance of the plant. Not all tree and shrub species can tolerate reduction pruning, so the species and plant health should be considered.

Note – Over pruning trees, or tree topping, not only looks terrible and counter to the master tree plan, but is unhealthy for most trees. Residents who over-trim their tree are subject to fines. For a bit more info check out this article.

Guidelines for individual properties

Individual property owners should consider how the plantings around their house affect their own property as well as their neighbors and the common areas that surround them. Too many trees provide too much shade and prevent shrubs, grass and/or groundcover from growing. Erosion of the soil is usually the result of too much shade. When too many large trees are planted in a small area, it is best to select the most valuable tree to remain and to remove the others. Grind the stumps from all of the trees that have been removed. Remaining trees should be properly pruned.

Trees and shrubs that are planted too close the foundation should be removed. A vigorous root system too close to the house is not good for the foundation. Allow a minimum of 2’ – 2 1/2’ between the building and all shrubs. Many older plantings become too large for the space they occupy and should be replaced with smaller shrubs. Today there are many varieties and cultivars of trees and shrubs that will reach a prescribed height and width and maintain that size throughout its lifetime with minimum of pruning.

When old shrubs are removed, and new ones are planted, a slope of 2% (or more) away from the building should be maintained for a minimum of 10 feet. When mulching, it is preferable to use double shredded mulch instead of nuggets, as the nuggets attract termites and carpenter ants to the foundation.

Down spouts should be directed away from the foundation of the house. In areas where there is not an erosion or drainage problem, concrete splash blocks, properly installed, should be sufficient. In many instances the downspout will outlet on a slope, and if there is a lack of vegetation (grass, ground cover, perennials, or shrubs), the soil will wash away, creating an erosion problem. The water will find the quickest way down hill and begin to form small channels that will eventually turn into larger channels. If left unchecked, the slope will begin to completely erode. There are many ways to amend this situation. Down spout extensions can be added below grade and should outlet at the base of the slope. Grass, or if the area is too shaded, ground cover, perennials, and shrubs can be installed on the slope. The vegetative cover will help to slow the water down, and the root systems will prevent the slope from eroding away.

 

 

The following is a list of design and plant recommendations for the community:

 

Plant recommendations for small lots:

The following is a list of trees and shrubs within our hardiness zone that are appropriate for smaller lots. Our hardiness zone, in the northwestern part of Fairfax County is right on the line between zone 6 and zone 7.

DECIDUOUS TREES:

The following is a list of ornamental trees recommended for small spaces:

Ameranchier grandiflora	Serviceberry
Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong’	Armstrong Red Maple
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansey’	Forest Pansey Redbud
Cornus florida	Flowering Dogwood
Lagerstromea indica	Crepe Myrtle
Magnolia sulongiana	Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia stelatta	Star Magnolia
Prunus ‘Okame’	Okame Cherry
Prunus cerasifera ‘ThunderCloud’	Purple Leaf Plum

EVERGREEN TREES:

The following are pyramidal evergreen trees that are very narrow and don’t exceed 10’-15’ in height or 4’ in width:

Ilex x aquipernyi ‘Dragon Lady’	Dragon Lady Holly
*Ilex x aquipernyi ‘Male’	Male Dragon Holly
Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’	Emerald Arborvite
Juniperus scopulorum	‘Skyrocket’ Juniper
Taxus capitata	Capitata Yew

*Male Holly is necessary in the vicinity for female ‘Dragon Lady’ to bear fruit.

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS:

The following is a list of deciduous shrubs suitable for foundation planting on smaller lots:

*Eyonymous alatus ‘Compacta’	Burning Bush
Berberis  thunbergii atropurea   ‘Crimson Pygmy’	Crimson Pygmy Barberry
Clethra alnifolia	Summersweet clethra
Hydrangea macrophylla	(compact varieties)
Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’	Virginia Sweetspire (compact variety)
Rosa ‘Knockout	Knockout Rose
Spirea bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’	Anthony Waterer Spirea
Spirea bumalda ‘Little Princess’	Little Princess Spirea
Spirea bumalda ‘Goldmound’	Goldmound Spirea

*Euonymous will need to be pruned every two years once the shrub reaches the desired height.

EVERGREEN SHRUBS:

The following is a list of needle and broadleaf evergreen shrubs suitable for foundation planting on smaller lots:

Azalea sp.	Azalea
Buxus koreana	Korean Boxwood
Buxus ‘Chicagoland’	Chicagoland Boxwood
Ilex crenata ‘Green Lustre’	Green Lustre Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata ‘Steeds’	Steeds Holly
Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’	Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex x maserve ‘China Girl’	China Girl Holly
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’	Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel
Nandina domestica	Heavanly Bamboo
Rhododendron sp.	Rhododendron

GROUND COVER:

The following is a list of recommended ground cover:

Epimedium	Epimedium of Bishops Hood
Liriope ‘Big Blue’	Big Blue Liriope
Liriope ‘Variegata’	Variegated Liriope
Pachysandra	Pachysandra

EDGING MATERIAL:

Option 1:

No edge: grade should be lowered to below driveway and sidewalk grade, after tree and tree stump is removed so that there is no need for an edge.

Option 2:

EP Henry or similar capstone turned on edge.  Color should match pewter grey.

STEP STONES:

All step stones should be 18” x 18” Flagstone or larger.  ¾” thick or more.

MULCH:

Brown double shredded pine bark mulch should be used.  Old mulch should be removed every season before new layer of mulch is added.

EXTEND DOWN SPOUT AND INSTALL POP-UP EMITTER:

Attach bottom end of downspout to a corrugated or smooth plastic extension 4-8’ that runs below grade and is connected to a pop-up drain and connect it to a pop up emitter.