Inverness Estates is a quiet, family-oriented community located in northwest Houston, south of The Woodlands, in a small town called Tomball, TX. As a guest to this site, you are welcome to browse around within the guest area and get a feel for the neighborhood and the community. If you are a resident, log in to get access to much more information.
High Sierra Management does not service the accounting or assessment billing or collection for your Association. Please refer all questions or payments to:
Great America Companies, Inc. Att: Annette Smith 10003 N.W. Military Hwy., Suite 2201 San Antonio, TX 78231 Phone: 210-344-9200 ext 16 Fax: 210-344-3137
April Lawn Care Tips
Spring is in full swing, and your lawn is ready to show its true colors. Take advantage of the early months of spring to cultivate your lawn and/or garden to its full potential. Your lawn has made it through March, so for the month of April, it would be a wise idea to continue your March lawn care responsibilities in compost, mowing, irrigation, and basic spring lawn care. Compost
If you have not applied any compost to your lawn, now would be the perfect time to make an application. However, if you have already applied a fair amount of compost in the fall, you may not even need to apply any right now. Keep in mind that fall is the best time to apply compost.
Mowing
If you have been taking good care of your lawn, you have probably noticed that your lawn has been growing steadily. Continue to mow your lawn, keeping the mower height at an average of three inches. Also, remove only one-third of the entire grass height with each mowing activity. Some additional tips for mowing include keeping your blade sharp by sharpening every four hours of use and retaining your clippings on the lawn. By collecting your clippings, they will decompose quickly and release nitrogen and other important nutrients back into the soil.
Irrigation
Some April showers will prove useful for your lawn and could be a sufficient enough water source. However, if it's particularly dry, you may want to consider watering your lawn about once a week.
Seeding and Weed
If you have a thin, weak lawn or bare spots, you should consider seeding your lawn. These exact symptoms of a thin lawn or bare spots can also allow weeds to grow. To deal with weeds, you should first identify what kind of weeds you have before deciding on a weed control option. Secondly, determine your weed's unique life cycle and biology and whether or not the control you choose is appropriate. Keep in mind that annual weeds die off and can leave bare soil that is inclined to increased "run-off." Perennial weeds, however, can help in maintaining density and decreasing the "run-off" weed rate, if they are dense enough.
Lawn care specialists recommend the following if you have more weeds than you can handle:
-- Mow at a consistent height every time, keeping in mind your species of grass. Mowing higher can help turf shade out weeds. -- Decrease the level of soil compaction around heavily trodden areas and turf next to pavement areas. -- Weed by hand when the soil is somewhat moist. -- Apply compost to improve lawn density if your lawn is thin.
If you are not sure how to go about managing your garden and lawn, you should contact a lawn care professional or someone who can guide you on lawn care basics. By cultivating your lawn into a healthy and strong turf grass, you will have a lawn strongly resistant of weeds. April is not only a month of welcoming spring, but it is also a very important time to exercise some care for your lawn, especially regarding weed control so that you can enjoy your lush and beautiful lawn in months to come.
Harris County Sheriff Community/School Safetytown Hall Meeting Tuesday May 21st, 2013 Click the flyer link below for more detailed information! HSCTownhall.pdf
STOP CRAPE MURDER!
-Many landscapers engage in a practice known as "topping" to prune Crape Myrtles. This practice is unnecessary, and can actually be harmful to the tree. Do not let your landscape company "top" the Crapes in your community!
In the past, "topping" was recommended in order to reduce powdery mildew infestations. However, Crapes today have been cultivated with resistance to powdery mildew, reducing the need for pruning and making topping unnecessary.
Instead of topping the trees, have your landscaper prune Crape Myrtles selectively. Remove diseased and dying branches. Also remove crossing and rubbing branches to prevent them from growing into each other. Remove sucker growth near the ground. The only other branches that should be pruned are those that are smaller than pencil-width (although removing these smaller branches is optional).
Lastly, be sure that the Crape Myrtles that are planted in your community are the correct size for their location. Crapes come in several varieties, with adult heights ranging from 3 to 30 feet. Planting the right variety will also help to reduce the need for unnecessary pruning
A poorly pruned Crape (photo above) will cause "knuckling" - unsightly bulges where the tree has been topped. It also creates a profusion of smaller branches resulting in a lack of proportion and weak branches. This practice also encourages disease and insect infestations.
A properly pruned Crape (photo above) will result in a uniform shape, smooth trunks/branches, and a gorgeous canopy filled with blooms.
There are many things in your home that need monthly attention. Here is a partial checklist to help you prevent costly repairs by catching little problems before they become big ones.
1. Garbage disposal - Check the impeller blades for nicks (unplug and/or switch off the unit first). Check the electrical and plumbing connections for loose or exposed wiring and loose pipe/drain connections.
2. Air conditioner - Clean or replace the air filter; clean the condenser or evaporator coils and condensate drain; remove debris from outdoor portion of unit.
3. Heat pump - Clean or replace the filter; clean the condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain.
4. Fire extinguisher - Check that the unit is fully charged (most have a read-out dial) and recharge or replace as appropriate, especially if you have used it recently. Be sure you have enough fire extinguishers. Generally, there should be one located in the kitchen, garage, and basement.
5. Smoke detector - Most programs suggest checking or replacing the batteries and indicator lights in the spring and fall when daylight savings time begins and ends (even if you live where it doesn't). If you don't replace them, you may wish to clean battery terminal ends and receptacle connectors. Don't forget to check the indicator light and clean or replace it as necessary.
6. Sink and tub stoppers - Flush them with hot water and baking soda.
PROJECT CHECK LIST
Make sure everything is in working order during the cold months:
Check the pressure on fire extinguishers.
Clean and inspect children's play areas and equipment.
Clean and inspect gutters and canales.
Clean the clothes dryer vent.
Clean the humidifier/dehumidifier monthly.
Clean the kitchen range hood and vent periodically.
We've put our association online to provide you with more convenience and a wealth of online services and opportunities to share ideas and information; get news and announcements; access an online resource center for important association documents and forms; utilize the member directory; and much more.
We're excited about offering online association services and consider the service a valuable amenity for the association. For an overview of the service and a few ideas as to how it can help save you time and get you connected with our community, click About Online Services.
We hope you'll take advantage of this new service. Your input and suggestions will be appreciated. Lets work hard together to keep Inverness Estates one of the best places to live in the Greater Houston area!
