As spring approaches in Southeastern Virginia, HOA communities must take proactive steps to manage their ponds and stormwater devices. These systems play a crucial role in managing runoff, preventing flooding, and improving water quality. However, without proper management, they can quickly become sources of erosion, pollution, compliance violations, and costly repairs. 

This article outlines four key areas of concern that HOA managers should address this spring. By focusing on these management practices, communities can ensure their ponds and stormwater systems remain functional, compliant, and visually appealing throughout the year.

1. Turf Establishment for Bare Areas & Erosion Prevention

The Importance of Healthy Turf Cover

A well-vegetated turf cover around ponds helps stabilize soil, preventing sediment from washing into water bodies, which can increase flood risk. It also acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants. Additionally, maintaining healthy turf is often a regulatory requirement to ensure stormwater ponds function as designed. Sites with insufficient turf cover may fail compliance inspections, leading to costly fines and mandatory repairs.

Turf Remediation Process

Establishing healthy turf requires strategic steps:

By addressing bare areas promptly and following best practices for turf establishment, HOA communities can protect their ponds while ensuring a well-maintained, beautiful landscape.

2. Native Aquatic Planting

Benefits of Aquatic Plants

Beyond their visual appeal, aquatic plants play a vital role in a healthy pond. Native aquatic plants provide multiple benefits including water quality improvements, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic value. In Southeastern Virginia, stormwater ponds must meet specific regulatory standards, which often include aquatic planting requirements.

Guidance for Maximizing Establishment & Survival

To ensure aquatic plants thrive, HOA communities should consider:

Specialized Maintenance Considerations

Even with careful planning and proper installation, aquatic plants require specialized, routinemaintenance. Selecting a specialized stormwater pond contractor is important, as general landscapers may inadvertently remove beneficial plants or allow invasive plants to thrive. Working with professionals who specialize in aquatic plant maintenance ensures that plant communities remain healthy and compliant.

3. Specialized Mowing for Stormwater Ponds 

The Importance of Proper Mowing

Maintaining community ponds and stormwater devices requires specialized care beyond standard landscaping practices. Improper mowing can lead to erosion, safety hazards, and compliance issues.

Specialized Needs of Ponds & Stormwater Devices

Protecting Vegetated Buffers

Many stormwater ponds include vegetated buffers or littoral zones that serve as natural filters and erosion barriers. Inexperienced crews may over-mow or apply herbicides that damage essential vegetation. Proper maintenance focuses on preserving the natural habitat while ensuring that the stormwater system is healthy, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing.

4. Year-Round Maintenance Vs. Seasonal Maintenance

Ponds and stormwater devices in Southeastern Virginia require ongoing maintenance to remain functional and compliant. Relying on seasonal maintenance alone can lead to costly repairs, environmental risks, and compliance violations. A proactive, year-round approach ensures stormwater ponds operate efficiently and avoid long-term issues.

Importance of Routine Maintenance with Specialized Contractors

Unlike general landscaping or property maintenance crews, specialized stormwater pond contractors understand the complexities of stormwater devices and ponds. Partnering with experts helps prevent costly mistakes that could compromise compliance or lead to failures

Key Maintenance Task List

Municipalities around Southeastern Virginia conduct regular inspections to ensure stormwater ponds meet performance standards. A comprehensive stormwater maintenance program includes:

Benefits of Year-Round Maintenance Over Seasonal Maintenance

Year-round maintenance provides continuous oversight. Seasonal approaches often lead to reactive rather than proactive management. Regular maintenance ensures stormwater devices and ponds remain in top condition, ultimately reducing long-term costs.

Proactive Stormwater Management: A Smart Investment for HOACommunities

Proper stormwater and pond management requires a specialized approach. Addressing turf establishment, incorporating native aquatic plants, implementing specialized mowing practices, and a consistent maintenance schedule are all essential steps for sustaining healthy ponds and stormwater devices. Proactive management today will help ensure a well-maintained and healthy system for years to come.

 Jess Licklider, Dragonfly Pondworks