The goal of the Yard of the Month award program (YOTM) is to recognize individuals whose property exemplifies the vision of our Dunwoody North Civic Association neighborhoods – beautiful and eclectic. The YOTM season begins April 1st and continues through September with 2 winners each month, one east of Tilly Mill and one west of Tilly Mill. The yard chosen each month will be awarded the sign to display in front of their home. The winning yard will have its picture taken to be displayed on the website and often in the newsletter.
Recipients must reside in areas serviced by DNCA. The upkeep of the yard can reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper or groundskeeper. An award duration term lasts a single calendar month and runs from the first day of the month to the last day of that same month. The same property cannot receive the award twice in one season or in consecutive seasons.
Members of the Beautification Committee tour the neighborhood each month and make selections based on the following criteria:
LAWN
- Healthy grass with no bare spots or excessive weeds
- Grass shall be mowed and edged
- Grass around foundations and fences shall be trimmed
- Debris shall be picked up and removed (garbage, newspapers, pet waste, etc.)
LANDSCAPE & FLOWER BEDS
- Beds weeded and edged
- Flowers deadheaded and dead plants removed
- Trees and shrubs pruned
- Natural areas clean
- Beautification efforts including new flowers, new trees, new shrubs, etc.
- Plantings in scale with the surroundings and limited to a few different types rather than too many which may confuse the eye
WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAYS
- Clean and stain free with trash containers and yard products removed from view
- Curb free from debris and dirt
AESTHETICS:
- Overall look of landscape is pleasing (formal or informal, use of color and textures)
- Inviting look of front entryway (hanging baskets, pots, cleanliness, etc.)
- Originality/creativity (any special touches of the owner (yard art, bird feeders, etc.)
OTHER COMPONENTS:
- Buildings, fences, porches, and patios on the property are required to be in good repair, i.e. minimal distraction from the landscape due to deterioration, damage or construction
