Trailside Metropolitan District Nos. 1-6

The schedule will be updated at the start of the 2026 Landscaping Season in the spring.

The Operations and Maintenance Plan set by the Board of Directors is below. The schedule is subject to change.

January

·         Finalize O&M contracts

February

·         Cutback ornamental grasses

·         On site meeting with the Landscaper and Board members

March

·         Playground inspection

·         Storm structure assessment

·         Contractor season kick-off meeting

 April

·         Activate irrigation system

·         Turf aeration

·         Spring fertilization

·         Pre-emergent application

·         Assess pickleball courts

 May

·         Open pool (Memorial Day Weekend)

·         Activate Splash Pad (Memorial Day Weekend)

·         Playground inspections and repairs

June

·         Plant replacements

·         Irrigation backflow testing

  July

·         4th of July community pool event

·         O&M scope review/pricing requests

 August

·         Meet on-site with district manager and board representatives

·         Draft 2027 O&M budget

 September

·         Close/winterize pool

·         Close/winterize pool house

·         Shut down and winterize the splash pad

·         O&M bidding process

·         Native grass seeding

·         Tree replacement if necessary

October

·         Winterize irrigation system

 November

·         Maintain storm structures

·         Finalize O&M budget

·         Holiday Light install

 December

·         Update service area maps

·         Issue O&M contracts

Native areas are designed to function as living ecosystems. Once established, they require minimal maintenance, naturally resist invasive weeds, adapt to climate variability, and support pollinators and wildlife. Because native landscapes establish more slowly than traditional turf, many areas at Trailside are still in the development phase. Our 2026 maintenance plan focuses on supporting that process.

2026 Focus Areas

Weed Management
Targeted spot-spray herbicide applications and limited mowing will be used to control invasive weeds and reduce seed production. As native plants mature, weed pressure and related treatments will decrease.

Water Conservation
Native grasses are now established and will not require irrigation in 2026. This conserves water, supports drought conditions following a dry winter, and helps discourage weeds.

Reduced Mowing
Native areas are mowed fully only every 4–5 years to manage thatch. Leaving grasses standing improves habitat, winter interest, and long-term sustainability. “Beauty bands” along perimeters will continue to be mowed regularly to maintain a clean appearance.

Increased Diversity
Wildflower seed will be trialed in select smaller areas to increase plant diversity and seasonal color. Results will be evaluated before expanding to larger sections.

Our long-term goal is a resilient, regionally appropriate landscape that becomes more self-sustaining—and lower maintenance—over time.

Why Native Open Space Exists

Native open space areas are designed to reflect Colorado’s natural shortgrass prairie ecosystem while providing important environmental and community benefits, including:

• Significant water conservation with little to no supplemental irrigation
• Lower long-term maintenance costs
• Reduced fertilizer and pesticide use
• Wildlife and pollinator habitat
• Improved environmental sustainability
• Preservation of Colorado’s natural landscape character

Understanding Colorado's Native Prairie Environment

The Colorado Front Range is a semi-arid region that naturally receives only 14–17 inches of precipitation annually. Native prairie plants are adapted to these conditions and thrive through hot, dry summers and cold winters.

Common native species include:

• Blue grama
• Buffalograss
• Western wheatgrass
• Scarlet globemallow
• Soapweed yucca
• Rabbitbrush

Why Native Areas May Look Different

Unlike established natural prairies, managed native areas are often created from previously disturbed and graded soils. These areas face unique challenges during establishment, including:

• Construction impacts
• Foot and pet traffic
• Weed pressure
• Runoff from irrigated landscapes
• Expectations for manicured appearances

As a result, native areas may not always resemble traditional turf landscapes or mature natural grasslands.

Native Grass Establishment Takes Time

Native grasslands develop much more slowly than irrigated turf.

Typical establishment timelines are:

• 2–5 years with supplemental irrigation
• 4–10 years without irrigation

During this process, native areas require ongoing monitoring, weed management, and occasional reseeding to support healthy establishment.

Why Weed Management is Important

Early management often focuses on controlling weeds through mowing and mechanical removal. As native grasses mature, management shifts toward targeted herbicide applications and integrated pest management practices.

The goal is to encourage native plant establishment while limiting invasive species.

Long-Term Maintenance Approach

The objective is not to create a manicured lawn, but to maintain a healthy and sustainable native ecosystem through:

• Limited mowing
• Minimal or no irrigation
• No routine fertilizer applications
• Ongoing weed monitoring and control
• Occasional spot seeding as needed

Balancing Ecology and Community Appearance

Many native area maintenance programs incorporate features intended to provide a more maintained appearance while supporting ecological goals, such as:

• Mowed "beauty bands" along trails, roads, and property boundaries
• Trail maintenance
• Educational signage
• Resident outreach and education

How Residents Can Help

Residents can support the health of native open space areas by:

• Staying on designated trails
• Keeping pets under control and cleaning up pet waste
• Avoiding disposal of yard waste or food waste in native areas
• Refraining from mowing, spraying, or planting beyond property boundaries

These practices help preserve the long-term health, sustainability, and natural beauty of Colorado's native landscapes.

Snow removal is a “Post Storm” service. This means that snow removal will start after the storm has passed. The district threshold for snow removal services is 2 inches of snowfall.

If there is 2+ inches of snowfall, Trailside Metro District clears common area sidewalks, and trails. Please see the map below to review the Districts snow removal. 

Owners are responsible for clearing snow from the sidewalk in front of and adjacent to the home within 24 hours of the completion of the storm.

The Town of Timnath clears snow on the public roads. Please click the link below to review the town's snow removal policy. 

https://timnath.org/snow-removal/

 Please remember the inherent risks associated with winter weather in Colorado. Exercise caution when walking outside during icy or snowy conditions.

Please reach out to info@trailsidemd.live with any questions or concerns.