Lawn Mowing
Lawn mowing is provided by Schill Grounds Management on Thursday of each during the growing season, weather permitting. The alternate day for mowing will be Friday. Note, occasionally we may decide to skip a weekly mow if it is not needed. If we decide to skip a mow this will be communicated via email.
Weeds will be pulled, sprayed, or a combination of the two to best control weed species.
Please refrain from watering your lawn after Wednesday Morning until the mowing services are completed. It is recommended that all watering times be moved to early morning hours on the day the system runs.
Residents will receive advance notice of fertilization/shrub spray, emailed 2 days in advance of the service being provided.
Services include:
- Cutting the grass at a height of 3-3 1/2 inches using push and riding mowers
- String trimming of all edges where lawn meets hard surfaces, fences, and mulched areas
- Blowing of clippings from all walkways, drives, patios and other hard surfaces
- Bed maintenance
- Lot and curb vegetation control
Landscaping
Spring Services:
- Small tree/shrub dormant oil for insect control (February-March)
- Slow release fertilizer & crabgrass pre-emergent (March-April)
- Landscape bed clean-up, pruning for liriope, certain hydrangeas, roses, spiraea, barberry and edging. Any perennials (Ex. Liriope) or grasses not cut back in the fall will be addressed during this visit. In addition, any Spring flowering shrubs (Ex. Lilac, Viburnum, etc.) will not be part of this Spring prune. (March-April)
- Liquid broadleaf herbicide (March-May)
- Small tree/shrub general spray for insect control (April-May)
- Slow release fertilizer with spot treatment for broadleaf weeds and preventative grub control (May-June)
Summer Services:
- Planting of floral annuals – Common Area only (May)
- Pruning of evergreen, deciduous shrubs, ornamental and shade trees. Certain shrubs/trees may not be pruned during this visit as not to disrupt their bloom cycle or maturity of new growth. (June-August)
- Small tree shrub spray for insect control and mites (July-August)
- Slow release fertilizer with broadleaf spray (July-August)
Autumn Services:
- Application of liquid post-emergent broadleaf weed control and spot treatment of crabgrass/nutsedge using post-emergent treatment (September-October)
- First Fall pruning of evergreen, deciduous shrubs, ornamental and shade trees as needed (up to 15’ from ground) (September-October)
- Small tree/shrub spray for insect control and mites (September-October)
- Leaf clean-up (October-November)
- Fall perennial cut back and clean-up (October-November)
- Winterization fertilizer (October-November)
If you have additional questions not answered on this website, please contact Schill Grounds Management at 513-821-9407 or via their website using the Contact Us page.
Snow & Ice Management
With winter upon us, the potential for snow accumulation and icing becomes an issue. The following contains information about how decisions are made about when and how we do snow removal:
What areas are serviced by our HOA fees?
Your HOA fees fund servicing your driveway and the pathway from your front door to the driveway. They also fund servicing Summit Cove, which is a private drive. Schill Landscaping will again perform all necessary snow removal and chemical treatment as needed.
What areas are serviced by the City of Blue Ash?
The City of Blue Ash will salt and plow all Retreat streets except Summit Cove.
What areas are not serviced?
There will be no service for the sidewalk from your front porch to the city sidewalk, the city sidewalks throughout The Retreat, or the sidewalks in the pocket parks. This is because City of Blue Ash officials advised us that clearing city sidewalks creates a potential liability risk. For this same reason, the Retreat HOA does not encourage residents to clear city sidewalks or pocket park sidewalks within The Retreat.
When will snow services be rendered?
Authorizing snow and ice management
services is a subjective decision made in consultation with Schill. There are general guidelines:
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- Snow will be removed when it reaches a depth of 2”
- The forecast indicates that it will not melt on its own
- Continuing snowfall, icy conditions, drifts and wind
Streets will be treated with rock salt while all other surfaces will be treated with calcium chloride or other non-corrosive products.
To meet the HOA obligation for snow and ice management, you may not decline the treatment used. Services will be rendered as soon as the landscape contractor’s resources are available.
What if I need snow removed before the services are rendered?
There may be times the decision is made not to provide service, service will not be rendered in the timeline you desire, or you want to have your sidewalk from your front porch to the city sidewalk serviced. In cases like these, you are welcome to make your own arrangements with someone to provide the service you desire at your own expense.
Snow Captain
The neighborhood has a Snow Captain, who is the point person to determine when our homes will be shoveled and plowed. We want to make sure we are managing the budget for snow removal and the Snow Captain makes these important decisions.
Any questions about snow removal should be directed to the Property Manager, Patrick Rakes (513-489-4059 or patrickrakes@towneproperties.com). Thanks for your cooperation on this matter.
In the event of a landscaping issue needing immediate attention, please contact please contact Schill Grounds Management directly at 513-821-9407 or via their website using the Contact Us page.
Improvement Process
Any changes to your exterior must be approved before any work takes place to ensure
Please read the Improvement Guidelines on the Resources page prior to completing your application. To apply for a change to your exterior, follow the instructions on the Improvement Application.
