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How-Tos

Lawn Care

The Falls Run recommended lawn care program was developed in concert with the Virginia-Tech lawn maintenance program and the guidance from the Virginia-Tech Extension Office to meet the requirements set forth in the “Falls Run Design Guidelines.”
 
The site (https://ext.vt.edu/lawn-garden.html) contains the annual calendar with an associated narrative that is updated annually. The site also contains the annual spring and fall updates with new/modified details for spring and fall lawn care as well as information on how to deal with specific diseases, insects, or other items thaw may affect your yard.
 
 

    2024 Fall Army-Worm Controls
     by Chuck Heath, Certified Advanced Master Gardener and Tree Steward
  
    2024 Virginia Tech Pest Management Guide
This document is the bible of how to manage all forms of pests in home lawns, gardens, and other properties.
It advises how to deal with insects, weeds, fungus, diseases, and other issues that can affect the things we grow.
 

    Recommended Spring Lawn Care Program
     by Chuck Heath, Certified Advanced Master Gardener and Tree Steward
  
    Recommended Fall Lawn Care Program 2024
     by Chuck Heath, Certified Advanced Master Gardener and Tree Steward
  
    Falls Run Weed Control Program
     by Chuck Heath, Certified Advanced Master Gardener and Tree Steward
 
   Renovation
 
 
   Tree & Shrub Pruning
Tree and shrub pruning is very important to the life and well being of trees and shrubs.  Virginia Tech publishes tree and shrub calendars to assist residents in the timing of pruning their plants to ensure their best health.
 

Lighting the pilot light on a Heatilator gas fireplace

These are the instructions from the Heatilator Company. If your fireplace is a different brand, refer to the user manual or manufacturer's website.
 

HEATILATOR FIREPLACE PILOT LIGHT INSTRUCTIONS

 

CAUTION: ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR FIREPLACE GLASS PRIOR TO LIGHTING YOUR PILOT


Locate gas supply valve (typically behind louvers, 
below glass opening - may be red or blue).


Open valve by pivoting handle to be parallel to gas 
line.


Locate pilot assembly with spark ignitor (located 
behind and below logs in the firebox - typically in the bottom center).


Then locate red or black ignitor button.*  Push ignitor 
to verify spark at pilot area.
 


Locate the black or green valve control knob (knob 
with the words "ON", "OFF" and "PILOT" on it).  
Push in and rotate counter-clockwise until the word "pilot" is in the 6 o'clock position.**


While pressing and holding in the valve knob (in "PILOT" position - it should press in about 1/4"), press the red piezo button repeatedly (once per second) until the pilot ignites.  If the pilot does not light, wait 5 minutes and try again.  Once the pilot is lit, continue to hold the valve knob in for 30 seconds, then slowly release.


If the pilot light goes out, contact your nearest dealer for service.  Remember to shut the gas supply valve off (picture #1).  If it remains lit, press the valve knob in slightly and rotate counter-clockwise until the word "ON" is in the 6 o'clock position.


Finally, turn the unit's ON/OFF switch (or wall switch 
or remote control) to the "ON" position to start your 
fire.

Make sure you put the glass front back on the fireplace prior to burning your fireplace. Make sure the glass is securely clamped on, at all points, prior to replacing the front


Enjoy your fireplace!

  

*

If you do not see a red or black spark ignitor button, you do not have a manual ignition system.  If power is actively supplied to your fireplace, simply turn the on/off button, wall switch or remote control to "on" to ignite your main burner.

**

Note:  Some valve assemblies may be inverted in their brackets.  If yours appears to be the mirror image of picture #4, then the word "PILOT" will be in the 12 o'clock position to light the pilot, and "ON" will be set to the 12 o'clock position to turn on your main burner.
 

CAUTION: ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR FIREPLACE GLASS PRIOR TO LIGHTING YOUR PILOT

Mailbox Repair or Replacement

Repairing or replacing a damaged mailbox or post
Resident mailboxes and posts are property of the FRCA. If you need a repair or replacement, complete a “Community Work Request” form.
 

Replacing batteries in the smoke detector

  1. Slide the cover plate off and remove the old battery. 
  2. Follow the diagram to align the positive and negative connectors on the new 9-volt battery. 
  3. Slide the cover plate back. 
  4. Push and hold the button for about five seconds. Listen for a series of different beeps. When all the smoke detectors in the house begin to beep together, release the button. 
  5. Wait up to five minutes for the smoke detector to beep twice. That indicates the smoke detector is set. 
  6. Repeat these steps for each smoke detector.
     

Replacing light bulbs in the original foyer ceiling fixture

Remove and replace the bulb through the opening at the bottom.

Replacing light bulbs in the original outdoor carriage lights

Rotate the fixture to the right or left to gain easier access to the lid. Open the lid and replace the bulb.

Replacing light bulbs in the recessed ceiling fixtures

If you cannot get someone to safely climb a ladder, use a pole bulb changer. This long-handled device allows you to grip and turn the bulb while standing on the floor.

Using the visitor kiosk at the Middlebrook and Legend gates

Note: To reduce unauthorized vehicle entry, give your four-digit code only to family and friends.
 
  1. Visitors with a code: Enter the four digits after pressing #.
  2. Visitor without a code: Search the listings using the A button to scroll down and the Z button to scroll up.
  3. Line up the resident name with the arrow.
  4. Press the CALL button.
     

Winterizing the hose bibs (outdoor water spigots)

Note: You will need to follow this procedure for each hose bib.
1.   Inside your house, locate the turn-off valve to each outdoor water spigot.
2.   Turn the turn-off valve clockwise to close. The valve has a bleed plug located on its side. Turn the bleed plug counterclockwise to loosen. Water will drip from this area for a short time. Allow the water to drain completely. Have a bucket handy to catch the water.   
3.   Outside your house, remove the hose from the water spigot. (Drain the hose and store it indoors.) If the water spigot has a collar, push   up on it to allow water to drain.  
4.   Turn the valve counterclockwise to open, and leave it open through the winter.