LOUDOUN PETITION: HOA RESIDENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

Living in a healthy environment is important to me as a Loudoun County resident. As a community resident who is served by a Homeowners Association, I would like to join with other residents of Loudoun County in asking my HOA to use more sustainable landscaping practices. Doing so would improve the health of our environment, limit exposure to pesticides and fertilizers, and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Broadlands is already doing projects and much more can be done for transitioning from our "old" practices to "better and healthier" practices. Here is how you can join the other communities and their members to support this change.



Sustainable landscaping practices include:

• Reducing pesticide use -- Better for the health of people, pets and pollinators.
  
• More effective fertilizer management -- Saves money and reduces excess runoff and pollution of streams.
  
• Planting native shrubs and perennials -- Improves soil health. Requires less mowing which means less use of fossil fuels. It also means more food/habitat for beneficial insects and birds.
  
• Planting more (native) trees -- Trees provide better stormwater management than turf, they increases groundwater infiltration, provide more shade and comfort for residents, and better habitat & food sources for beneficial insects and birds.
  
• Eliminating the ornamental use of invasive non-natives -- Avoids spread and competition with native plants
  
• Removal of invasive plants in natural areas -- Allows natural balance and healthier ecosystems
  More than 60% of Loudoun residents live in an HOA-community. If we all pursue healthier, more sustainable landscaping practices, it can make a real difference.

Leveraging the Landscape to Manage Water


Urban Forests = Cleaner, Cooler Air (yes, suburban communities can be forested too)