News Articles

The Association has recently encountered several concerning situations involving trees that highlight the importance of proactive maintenance, and we want to make all homeowners and residents aware.  Photos are included below for reference. We also wanted to take this time to remind the community that, in accordance with the Association’s bylaws, the maintenance and trimming of trees, shrubs, and other landscaping located within rear yards and patio areas are the responsibility of the homeowner.

 

The following are summaries of the situations that required action by the Association. First, a pine tree located in the green space between Jay and Keller Avenue gradually fell and came to rest on the roof and gutters of a home on Keller Avenue. Fortunately, only minor damage occurred to the building and no one was injured. The tree was fully removed the following day.

 

 
Second, as part of the Phase II Retaining Wall and Drainage Project, the Association removed several large trees located in the common area adjacent to the retaining wall on Jay Avenue in order for crews to work and at the advice of our engineers, who highlighted that the trees could impact the structural integrity of the new retaining walls. During excavation, contractors discovered substantial root systems extending beneath entrance stoops and toward the foundations of the nearby homes. We discussed these root systems with an engineer and they advised that if left as-is, the roots will gradually decompose and leave holes in the ground leading to future settlement, shifting, or structural impacts. Their guidance was to also remove the root systems and backfill the areas to prevent future negative impacts from the decaying roots. While these trees will not be replaced, new landscaping in accordance with the masterplan and building codes will be planted in the area.

 

   
Our engineer also recently identified tree roots infiltrating the mortar and walls of a unit on Jay Avenue, resulting in cracking and separation of interior mortar and plaster. Fortunately, the tree responsible for this damage was already scheduled for removal as part of the Phase II project, which will help prevent further root-related issues.

 

 
These summaries serve as an important reminder that trees and large root systems can have significant impacts on all of our homes and other community infrastructure if not properly monitored and maintained. Given the number of trees located within owners’ rear patios, which are limited common elements, we encourage all residents to regularly inspect their landscaping and address potential concerns before they become larger issues.

As homeowners in Fairlington Towne, our bylaws outline that if landscaping in limited common areas that is not properly maintained results in damage to any building, fence, or other improvement, the owner may be held responsible for the associated repairs. Additionally, any tree trimming that requires the use of a lift or other specialized equipment, as well as the trimming of limbs or branches extending over roofs or neighboring property, requires submission of an architectural application and prior Board approval before any work is performed. Please, maintain these trees before major restoration work is required.

 

We want to acknowledge the concerns that have been shared with us about the removal of trees like the ones mentioned above. Please know that as an Association, we do not make these decisions lightly. However, we do need to balance maintaining our tree canopy with our responsibility to protect the structural integrity of our homes and other infrastructure. With the help of our landscape architect, arborist and the landscape committee, we also want to protect and maintain the tree canopy in our community, and will continue to find ways to restore what we can, yet in a way that does not lead to future issues for the community.

 

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and commitment to maintaining a safe, attractive, and well-preserved community. By working together to responsibly manage landscaping, we can continue to enhance the beauty of the neighborhood while protecting our homes and shared infrastructure for years to come.