Landscaping

In a Townhome Association such as Brook Hills West, the homeowner owns their portion of the multi-unit buildings and the surrounding property.  These buildings and property make up the development and Association.  Included with our Association are the streets of Cormoy, Dunree, and Lennan Brook Lanes, in addition to the sidewalks, stormwater retention area, and certain easements.  All of these exterior items are maintained, repaired, and replaced by the Association under the supervision of the elected Board of Directors.  Since all of these areas fall under the responsibility of the Association, they are know as the "Common Areas".  Though they are owned in part by the homeowner, they are under the full control of the Association.

Changes, damage, or removal to any of Common Area items is strictly prohibited by the homeowner.  Minor changes and improvements are allowed by the homeowner if they receive written Board approved submitted through the Property Management company.  The Board will allow individual  homeowners some flexibility in decorating and planting around their homes.  "Beauty is in the mind of the beholder" often rings true in a development of 92 homes. 

 Please understand that the Board reserves the right to determine what is tasteful for the betterment of all of our homeowners.  Following the approval process and rule will help avoid wasting time and money on changes that will not be allowed.  Once a change is approved and completed, the homeowner will be responsible for he care and upkeep of the change.  If the homeowner does not or cannot maintain the changes that are made, they are responsible for returning the area back to the original configuration.  The homeowner will be billed the cost of the restoration if the Board is forced to use their landscaping company.

There was considerable "over planting" done during the original construction of our development by the Builders.  As these plants mature, they not only crowd one another, but also crowd and cause potential damage to the buildings and other structures.  Some of the trees and bushes  are now dying due to various reasons.  Consideration to replace any removed item will be done as to maintain the beauty and consistency of the area as budget permits.  Not all items will replaced with like plants, and some plants will not be replaced at all.

Since there is no common watering system in place, each townhome owner is encouraged to water ALL lawn areas, shrubbery, and trees in the Common Areas adjacent to their Townhome during warm weather and drought, or after replacement.  End unit owners are responsible for the areas on the front, side, and rear of their units, while middle unit owners are only responsible for the front and rear areas of their unit.  Hoses and sprinklers cannot be left in the landscaping or grass, and must be coiled and stored when not in use.  All Village of Orland Park sprinkling and water use restrictions and schedules should be observed.

If a plant or area of sod is replaced or re-seeded next to your unit, you must water it to 

ensure its survival:

• A new bush or plant requires a soaking of the hole immediately after installation, and another soaking at least once a week for at least 2 weeks.  Extremely sunny or hot areas may require more water when there is no rain for extended periods.
• Grass seed and seed netting requires daily moisture.  This would include 10 minutes under a sprinkler until germination.
  New sod required a daily soaking under a sprinkler for 15 - 20 minutes for about the first 2 weeks.
  If the bush or grass dies because of a lack of watering by the homeowner, the replacement cost will be charged to the homeowner.

Townhome owners are permitted to plant flowers in the non-sodded areas on the front, side (where applicable), or back of their townhomes:

• No sod or other plant material may be removed in order to plant flowers unless approved by the Association.
• No hanging of plants or pots from any part of the building structure, including privacy fences.
• No fruit or vegetable plant is allowed to be planted in any ground or landscaping on the Association property.  Fruit and vegetable plants are allow in pots (limited to 3 per address), and placed on the rear patios or decks.  They are not allowed in the front of the units, on the driveways, or sidewalks.
• Potted plants of all types should be limited to reasonable and similar sized containers.
  Dying, withering plants, and pots with excessive weeds are not allowed.
  Plastic plants, flowers, and flower wreaths  in conspicuous areas are prohibited.
• Perennial plantings (i.e. day lilies, hostas, etc.) are not allowed in the tree rings.

Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil.  The benefits include:

• Moisture conservation
  Enhance health & fertility of soil
• Reduce & deter weed growth
• Improves overall visual appearance of the area
  

Even though mulch has many benefits, it is expensive to purchase and install due to the many tons or cubic yards required throughout our development.

Mulch is typically budgeted to be installed every few years.  It is installed in the Spring, usually in April.  We concentrate on the planting beds in the front and side areas of the townhomes that are most visible from the street.  Tree rings will be done only if our budget allows.  We find that the mulch in the tree rings generally blows or is washed into the grass after a short period of time.  As in the past, homeowners wishing to add or embellish the mulch in their own areas must use the DARK BROWN TINTED WOOD variety available at stores such as Menards, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Melka's Landscaping.  

In order to maintain a consistency in color and quality, use of any other color or material is strictly prohibited, and will be removed at the OWNER'S EXPENSE!!!  

If unsure, call the Management Company before buying.