The Cascades Community Association Case Study

Challenges

Cascades wasn’t just struggling with one issue; it was managing dozens simultaneously. Aging trees, invasive species, safety risks, and resident concerns made oversight complicated.

“Our real pain point was volume. We were managing a massive number of trees across woodlands, buffers, and common areas,” Coyle said. “You’d see green and think everything looked fine, but beneath that were vines as thick as a baseball bat choking out healthy trees.”

Meanwhile, the property team lacked arboricultural expertise. Traditional landscapers handled mowing and basic pruning, but they couldn’t manage the complexity of forest dynamics, invasive control, or canopy health. Without a coordinated approach, tree removals were reactive and sometimes counterproductive.

The risks were more than aesthetic. With aging trees in common areas, Coyle worried about liability exposure if something went wrong. Without a formal documentation process in place, there was no clear record of assessments or follow-up.

Solutions

SavATree’s strategy extends beyond day-to-day tree care. The team helped launch a formal tree inventory process, implemented a structured approach to proactive pruning, and systematically removed invasive species, including bamboo and Tree of Heaven. For highly visible or sensitive areas near the Potomac River, they implement more organic treatment options, striking a balance between aesthetic expectations and environmental responsibility.

One of the most effective changes was integrating SavATree’s arborist directly into the community’s work order system, giving him the ability to triage requests and manage them from the start. This dramatically reduced staff workload and improved response times.

“Brian is basically our tree manager now,” Coyle said. We added him to our software system so that he can see every resident request. He assesses the situation, makes the recommendation, and follows through. We trust him completely.”

Results

The changes have been transformative. Structure pruning is reenergizing struggling trees. Invasive removal opened up canopies and restored natural growth below. And with better documentation and oversight, the property team can now prove due diligence on every request.

“We track every report now. If something goes wrong, we can show that a certified arborist inspected it, that it was assessed, and that we weren’t negligent. That’s huge,” Coyle states.

Budgeting improved as well. “We’ve actually stayed on budget this year. Brian knows what we have to work with, and he helps us prioritize,” states Coyle. “It’s a small pat of butter, but he spreads it smartly.”

One of the most visible successes was a project on Ashcroft Street. “Honestly, I was biting my nails. I wasn’t thrilled about taking those trees down, especially since they were growing into the power lines and were right in front of homes,” states Coyle. “We worked with Brian and his team to take them down the right way. I went back out there recently and said, ‘Man, I couldn’t be more pleased.’ It looks unbelievable now. ”

Looking Ahead

Cascades has turned its complex challenge of a maturing landscape into a model for success. As Cascades continues to evolve, its partnership with SavATree remains foundational to preserving the community’s landscape, safety, and environmental integrity. For other large-scale communities facing similar demands, Cascades offers a clear example of what’s possible when the right partner is in place. Learn more about Cascades and SavATree today.

About Cascades Community Association

Cascades Community Association is a 2,500-acre planned community with 6,500 homes along the Potomac River north of Route 7. It received the "Finest for Family Living" awards for 1993 and 1994, the Best Large Association Award in 2002, and the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute's (WMCCAI) 2011 Humanitarian of the Year. Cascades also enjoys riverfront access, a boat launch, golf, mini golf, rental cabins, and a picnic area via nearby Algonkian Regional Park. To learn more about Cascades, visit www.cascadesva.com.

About SavATree

SavATree provides comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care services to commercial properties nationwide. Our certified arborists and professional crews deliver tailored solutions that enhance property value, safety, and aesthetic appeal. With a commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, SavATree is the premier choice for all your landscape care needs. For more information, visit www.savatree.com or learn more about our commercial tree services.