Landscape: Landscape crews will do different tasks this winter depending on weather and other factors. When the weather is OK, and there is not too much snow or rain, crews will remove and plant trees and shrubs. We typically replace 4,000 shrubs in various sizes depending on variety and the desired look. We also replace 60 to 80 trees in different areas throughout the community each year. When the weather is too wet or too cold, crews may work in the planter beds or shovel snow. When there is no snow, but the weather is too cold to do any groundwork, we try to install bark in different areas of the community.
This time of year is great for tree-pruning, so you will see our Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) crews along Eastside Tree Works pruning street trees around the community. While the weather may be unpredictable, the landscape crews always find work to do.
Irrigation: Irrigation crews can’t do much work during the winter if the weather is bad. However, if the weather is clear and dry, the IHCA irrigation crew works on fixing broken valve boxes, wire problems, and other mechanical item replacements. The systems are aging, but if critical parts are repaired or upgraded, they will last well much longer. For example, two years ago, we replaced all the filters on our pump systems to better clean the water. This helps the valves, sprinklers, and other components last longer. This year, we will replace two large irrigation pumps that have reached their lifespan (almost 13 years). All these steps ensure a reliable system for many years to come.
Photo by Robert Milligan.
