Category: Home Maintenance

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Outdoor Projects & Yard Maintenance Reminders

Hello Neighbors,

Spring continues to roll on in central Ohio with many neighbors being spotted outside working to prepare beds for the warmer months.

A few reminders as we move into the spring and summer months about yard/landscaping maintenance and summer projects. Quick handbook references are included for convenience but please be sure to always reference the current handbook to ensure compliance.

 

  • Lawns should maintain a neat and attractive appearance

In the warm months a beautifully kept lawn is a point of pride for many households in our neighborhood. However getting a healthy lawn can be a multi-month/year challenge. Please be sure to research the products being used on your property to be sure they are appropriate for our growing region and also your yard conditions. Examples of this include: using appropriate grass seed (shade or sunny mixes, drought tolerant, etc.), monitoring/treating insect damage, applying grass seed, and pulling weeds. As a community the requirement for the association indicates:

Each homeowner shall maintain the landscaping and lawn area in an attractive appearance that enhances the home’s year-round curb appeal. It must be maintained free from insects, diseases, and weeds.
VAT Handbook 7.0, Landscape Maintenance, Page 28

 

  • Double check the VAT handbook prior to making any exterior improvements and make sure to leave time for the application process

Many, but not all, exterior improvements require an RR (Request for Review) application. These applications help make sure that any new work is in compliance with our community standards. Popular spring and summer exterior projects that require applications include: exterior painting, landscaping, roof/window replacement, fences, playset installations, and more. If you aren’t sure if your project will need an RR you can submit a form on the website, contact our property manager, or reach out to the Board via email for clarification.

All proposals for construction, exterior improvement, including any color changes from existing colors, or modification, and enforcement compliance on any lot must be submitted to the property management company and/or ARC with a completed Request to Review Application at least thirty (30) days prior to the start of the proposed action. Failure to obtain written approval prior to proceeding with construction or the exterior modification will result in the Enforcement Process (p. 30). Please see Request to Review Application. Deviations or modifications from the approved application without written approval will result in the Enforcement Process.
VAT Handbook 7.0, Request To Review Process, Required Review, Page 19

 

  • When removing shrubs from front elevations, be sure to do a count of your foundational plantings 

Each homeowner shall establish and maintain landscaping in a planned design that enhances the appearance of the home. Front elevation landscaping shall consist of a minimum of nine (9) mature foundational plantings of live trees and or shrubs. Trees or shrubs on the sides of the home, provided that they are fully visible from central front elevation, may be counted toward the nine (9) foundational plantings. Foundational plantings do not include annuals and perennials.
VAT Handbook 7.0, Landscape Design Requirements, Page 28 

 

  • Dead/dying plants should be removed from landscaping

As much as we might hope that all our plants stay alive, the reality is they don’t. Many home & garden stores offer warranties on their plants for up to a year. Be sure to check your store’s policy and hold on to your receipts to be able to use these policies in case your plants don’t survive their first year. The handbook standard for removing dead or dying plants is as follows:

Homeowners shall remove dead trees and plants within thirty (30) days after 75% or more of the tree or plant appears dead. Mulch and/or ground cover shall be replenished routinely in order to provide a well-maintained appearance (Landscape Bed Ground Cover). Routine trimming and pruning of trees and plants is required to prevent an overgrown look. Landscaping beds shall maintain a separate and distinct border from the lawn.
VAT Handbook 7.0, Landscape Maintenance, Page 28 

We hope these reminders help keep our community looking beautiful and make working through the RR process this summer easier for everyone!
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Fall Reminders

School’s Back, Park Reminders & More

Hello Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe but summer vacation is coming to an end and fall activities are starting to ramp up. A few reminders for the coming weeks…

School is getting underway!

  • Busy Bus Stops
    Please keep an eye out for the kids during the morning and afternoon school bus hours.

 

  • Street Side Parked Cars
    If you park street side please be sure to leave the busses plenty of room to turn.  Stay close to curbs and away from intersections when possible.

    Park Reminders

  • Anyone under the age of 14 should have a parent or guardian with them at all times while at the park.
    This is to ensure all park rules are being followed and property treated appropriately and safely.

 

  • The park is private property and should be treated with respect.
    Climbing on the equipment should be limited to its intended use and climbing on the top of the shelter or park equipment is strictly prohibited. All park rules should be followed at all times.

 

  • There is no lost and found box at the neighborhood park.
    Keep an eye on your belongings and ensure all personal items are taken when leaving.

 

  • Please “bring it in, bring it out”.

The trash can at the park should capture the odd need while folks enjoy the park. This trash can is emptied by your neighbors (in their personal trash cans) so please be courteous when throwing away items. Please take empty beverage cups and pet waste bags to your own container.

 

Additional Updates

  • Speeding and Parking – Speeds on our main thoroughfares have been ticking up higher recently.  We have many folks parking along our roadways on these main roadways. This can make seeing folks crossing streets much more challenging – especially when coming around corners/bends.

Please make sure that vehicles parked along roadways are inline with curbs and not obstructing mailboxes/driveways. Also please slow down when traveling through these densely packed areas, beyond vehicles in the roadways there are children outside playing and utilizing sidewalks or streets for bike riding or just to grab an errant basket or soccer ball.

 

  • Alton-Darby Construction – We have all been experiencing the frustration that the closure of Alton-Darby at Feder and other local roadwork projects have brought to those in our community. In the coming weeks as new school routines are taking shape please be sure to add extra time to your morning commute to allow for the additional traffic.

 

  • Fiber Line Installation – The installation of the utility lines has created even more frustration within the community with homeowners now dealing with reseeding areas of their lawns or dealing with further issue left by this utility work. We encourage homeowners with concerns about their property and how this work may affect them to contact Ohio Utility Protection Service (OUPS/Call811), they may be able to assist in identifying the party who is completing work on their property. You can also look up permit applications with the City of Columbus at: https://www.columbus.gov/Business-Development/Get-a-Permit/Get-or-Track-a-Building-Permit

 

  • Yard Waste Bags & Landscaping Updates – As homeowners begin to prune back and make adjustments to landscaping for the fall and beyond a reminder that yard waste bags should be screened from view until the next pickup date. Also, before making any permanent landscaping changes (like removing trees/bushes) – take a moment to review the handbook landscaping requirements to ensure your home doesn’t fall out of compliance. Some adjustments may require a Request for Review application depending on the project scope.

We hope everyone finds this information useful. Blog posts are the main method of communication to our community – we strongly urge homeowners to NOT unsubscribe from this mailing list to ensure you receive all blog updates.

Have a great week everyone!

2024 VAT Board

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VAT turns 30 – Lawn Care

Many lawns within our community (as well as our community park) were badly affected by the sudden armyworm infestation two years ago. Lawns that were once lush and green, quickly turned brown and had dead spots.

While this is an example of a sudden problem it is easy for issues such as weeds/clover, thin lawns and dead spots to expand and turn excellent turf into an unsightly one quickly.

Common issues seen in our community are:

1. Lawn thinning  – Typically due to lack of water or turf maintenance issues
2. Crabgrass & weeds – Dandelion and clover are the most common
3. Lack of grass – Generally this appears in areas of dense shade or where drainage is an issue

The good news is there are great resources out there to help homeowners. Repairing issues could be as easy as making sure to use a dense shade grass seed variety instead of a sun and shade mix to get the grass underneath large trees growing again.

Moving into a different set of lawn treatments or making sure to
have your lawn aerated or dethatched periodically can all help provide a strong root system and improve overall lawn appearance over time.

Lawn Treatment and Fertilizing
Seeing progress on lawn treatment can be a multi-year process so it is important to start early each season and stay on top of applications. Many homeowners in our community use local services to provide lawn application/treatments however there are now several options for fertilizer and weed prevention on your lawn turf. These include mailing services that will evaluate your lawn and mail the appropriate products, with an application schedule, to make lawn maintenance an easy task.

For neighbors concerned about using chemical fertilizer for weed prevention several organic options are available as well yard tools to make removing weeds in your turf much easier.

We highly suggest speaking with the professionals at your preferred lawn and garden center for advice on these products.

Here are some great articles to learn more about turf maintenance:

https://www.oasisturf.com/blog/perfect-ohio-lawn-care-schedule-what-to-do-when

https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/your-first-lawn-start-here

https://scotts.com/en-us/how-to/how-to-aerate-dethatch-your-lawn.html

Finally a reminder that all leaves should be bagged and stored until the next scheduled recycling/yard waste pickup. Our community’s upcoming recycling/yard waste pickup dates are:

Monday, November 13th
Monday, November 27th

We hope our neighbors find this information helpful. As always the Community Handbook should be reference for all home improvement projects.

Please note: The articles referenced above do not constitute an endorsement. All home decisions should be made with the guidance of lawn or garden center professionals familiar with your lawn concerns as well as products being suggested or used. As always please do your own research and due diligence on any vendors or products prior to hiring or using.

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Leaf Cleanup

Reminder: Leaf Cleanup

Cool mornings are upon us and all our beautiful neighborhood trees are starting to change colors and drop their leaves. A few reminders when it comes to leaf cleanup:

 

  • The city of Columbus does not vacuum up leaves from the curb or clear any street gutters. Please take some time to remove leaves from sidewalks/street gutters. Wet leaves can create dangerously slick sidewalks. Also the gutter drains get blocked not allowing water runoff from rain or ice melt to make it to sewers as we move into the winter months.

 

  • Please do not leave blown leaves in the street or blow them down the street to other homes. This creates additional work for homeowners who are already battling leaves of their own.

 

  • Don’t forget to check gutters and downspouts for leaves. Backups of leaves trap water and eventually ice in the colder months. This causes gutters to separate from homes and could cause blockages and backups in the sewer systems.

All leaves should be bagged and stored until the next scheduled recycling/yard waste pickup. Our community’s upcoming recycling/yard waste pickup dates are:

Monday, October 30th
Monday, November 13th
Monday, November 27th

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Tree Updates – Fall 2023

Happy Friday!

It appears the city of Columbus forestry team has done another review and marked additional street trees within our community for review or removal.

A reminder on street trees: These trees fall under City of Columbus ordinance and are subject to specific city code. In our conversations with the Forestry section, they explained that trees marked with a blue dot indicates that the City is keeping that tree under review for possible future removal. Trees marked with a blue “X” are scheduled for removal. Exact timing is unknown. Please keep this in mind as you walk around the community as their may also be coinciding sidewalk repairs as determined by the city.

Should a tree on your property be marked for removal and you would like a replacement you will need to contact the city of Columbus 311 (614 645 3111 or Columbus 311) to arrange.

Finally, if you have a tree in need of pruning due to low branches over sidewalks or a tree that is creating a hazard that needs to be removed, please contact the City of Columbus 311 (614 645 3111 or Columbus 311) to report – phone hours are M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM. This is especially important with Trick or Treat coming up in a few weeks where more community members will be walking our sidewalks at night and the tree branches will be more difficult to see. 

 

For more information about street trees please visit: https://www.columbus.gov/street-tree-faqs/

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VAT Turns 30 – Landscaping

The warm weather and sunny days bring lots of outdoor fun but also a lot of outdoor work. Specifically weed pulling, planting and pruning, lawn mowing and other lawn and landscape maintenance.

This week we are sharing information about the VAT landscaping requirements.

Many folks may not be aware but in our handbook are very specific instructions as related to the plantings required within front beds. These instructions go as far as indicating what size shrubs and other greenery are expected when landscaping changes are in the works.

Why are we so specific? Good question!

When our community was established the guidelines indicated by the developer established a certain look for our community. So much like our home colors, our landscaping is ruled by a similar set of expectations. With our community now being over 30 years old many homeowners find themselves with plants that have grown quite large and are no longer confined to their beds or are naturally starting to reach their end of life.

As these plants are replaced and in some cases new landscaping bed plans are being created it is worth noting the following requirements for all landscaping.

Landscape Requirements

This information can be found on Page 28 of the Handbook.

  1. Front elevation landscaping shall consist of a minimum of 9 mature foundational plantings of live trees or shrubs. These do NOT include annuals or perennials. A five gallon shrub would be our recommendation for a mature planting.
  2. The use of artificial plant material is prohibited.
  3. Trees or shrubs on the sides of the home, provided that they are fully visible from the central front elevation, may be counted towards the nine plantings.

Please also consider the timing of your plantings. If you are planning on removing in the spring but planting in the fall, you are not in compliance with the handbook. The only exception to this policy is with prior Board approval.

Landscape Maintenance

This information can be found on Page 28 of the Handbook.

  1. Homeowners are expected to maintain landscaping and lawn areas in an attractive appearance to enhance the home’s year-round curb appeal. It must be maintained free from insects, diseases, and weeds.
  2. Homeowner shall remove dead trees and plants within 30 days after 75% or more of the tree or plant appears dead.
  3. Mulch and/or ground cover shall be replenished routinely in order to provide a well-maintained appearance.

Please note that bulk mulch deliveries are expected to be removed within 30 days of the date of delivery.

We hope this information is useful as the cooler months approach and homeowners continue to update their exterior projects.

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VAT Turns 30 – Roofs & Gutters

Don’t like the weather in Ohio? Wait 20 minutes, it will change.

Our climate in Columbus can swing from 50 degree mornings to 85 degree evenings in short order. Weather changes frequently cause unexpected home projects. From leaves clogging gutters to blistering sun, hail storms, and ice/snow, our roofs and gutters can take a beating over the years.

This week we take a look at roofs and gutters.

A reminder: Many of these projects will require a Request for Review Application to ensure compliance. Applications can take up to 30 days for review. Please plan your projects accordingly.

The information provided below is meant as an easy reference for homeowners and does not signify any endorsement of any of the external links below. As with any home project, please perform your own due diligence.

Roofs

Asphalt shingled roofs should be reviewed for replacement approximately every 20-30 years, or maintained when signs of disrepair are evident (i.e. missing shingles). Here is an online resource for roof replacement guidance: https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/roofing/buying-guide/. All roof replacement projects require a Request for Review.

According to the VAT Handbook 7.0:

Roofing material shall be asphalt shingles consistent with the existing homes and the original design of the community. Roof color must be subdued, neutral, and compatible with foundational colors (Definitions, p. 1) (Quitclaim Deed 5.01). Metal, tile, rolled, and green roofing are not permitted. Roof vents shall be low in profile and a color that blends with the roof.

Gutters

Many homeowners have been dealing with drainage pipe repairs/replacements. New gutters are often part of new or updated drainage works. Here is a resource related to gutter maintenance vs replacement: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-often-replace-gutters.htm 

According to the VAT Handbook 7.0:

Roof gutters are required on all structures and must properly drain in accordance to building code standards (Quitclaim Deed 5.08, Definitions, p. 2). Gutter color shall blend with the body or trim color of the home.

Please keep painting in mind if your new gutters do not comply with this standard. If you are painting your gutters, a Request for Review will be required to ensure that the paint color is from the Approved Color Palette.

Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly vet any vendor you plan on using. There are many resources for this: Google/Yelp Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and others. According to the BBB, here are some of the best practices when it comes to vetting a new vendor:

1. Research and gather information
2. Ask for references
3. Ask for multiple quotes
4. Get information/offers in writing
5. Verify licenses and insurance
6. Confirm building permits
7. Inquire about lien waivers
8. Ask about warranty coverage
9. Arrange a payment schedule
10. Get a receipt
11. Get a signed contract and keep it for documentation

For more information on any of these items click here.

We hope homeowners find this information helpful and informative.

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Daylight Savings Ends, VAT turns 30, Driveways

End of Daylight Savings Time

A reminder that this Sunday, November 6th, at 2:00AM marks the end of Daylight Savings Time – don’t forget to set your clocks back by an hour.

Also, this is a great opportunity to take care of semi-annual homeowner projects such as: changing batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, cleaning external dryer vents, having furnace and fireplaces serviced and making sure home emergency kits are up to date.

 

Village at Thornapple Turns 30

As we progress into the fall and winter months many homeowners are addressing common home maintenance projects including: driveways, roofs, landscaping and home painting. It is exciting to see homeowners showing pride in our community.

This year marked the 30 year anniversary of our neighborhood’s establishment. Due to our neighborhood achieving a certain age many of the more expensive home maintenance projects have been showing up in the neighborhood. To help homeowners plan and budget for these projects over the next few weeks we will be posting information for homeowners to reference when looking at home projects and budgeting for the upcoming year.

A reminder – many of these projects will require a Request for Review application to ensure compliance. Applications can take up to 30 days for review. Please plan your projects accordingly.

 

Driveways

To starts us off we will be covering driveways. Current guidance is that concrete driveways will reach end of life at approximately 20-30 years depending on care, use, maintenance, and weather. As asphalt driveway will last approximately 20 years again depending on care, use, maintenance, and weather.

For our community a property will be determined to be outside compliance when any of the following apply:

Black Top/Asphalt

Replacement will be warranted when >75% of driveway is fractured, fissured, and/or deteriorated (graveling) OR

Sealing will be warranted when 50% has no visible appearance of blacktop sealant

Concrete Driveways

Replacement will be warranted when >75% of driveway sections are broken, heaved, or decomposing into aggregate

Driveway replacements DO require a Request for Review application with approval to proceed with work. Many local businesses have long waiting lists so make sure to plan your project timelines accordingly.

Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly vet any vendor you plan on using. There are many resources for this: Google/Yelp Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s, and others. According to the BBB here are some of the best practices when it comes to vetting a new vendor:

1. Research and gather information
2. Ask for references
3. Ask for multiple quotes
4. Get information/offers in writing
5. Verify licenses and insurance
6. Confirm building permits
7. Inquire about lien waivers
8. Ask about warranty coverage
9. Arrange a payment schedule
10. Get a receipt
11. Keep your contract

For more information on any of these items click here.

We hope homeowners find this information helpful and informative. Have a great weekend everyone!

©2025 Thornapple Association, Inc.