With spring in bloom and trees budding, the Weyburn Police Service is reminding residents of the City of Weyburn bylaw regarding the maintenance of private trees and hedges.
The bylaw states that property owners are responsible for making sure trees and hedges are well maintained on the entirety of a property. Deputy Police Chief Shane St. John says this is to prevent physical or sight obstructions for vehicles, pedestrians, and emergency access.
“The bushes in the front, on the sidewalks, definitely coming up to corners, it can be site obstructions, and then the back alleys, of course, for emergency vehicles to get down without any damage, it's very important, for safety issues.”
Back alleys and lanes are important to be kept clear for public utility alongside emergency vehicles, as well as for backyard or garage access.
Information on private tree and hedge pruning specifications can be found on the City of Weyburn website, in the Urban Forest bylaw. The WPS has been issuing these bylaw reminders regularly to ensure residents are aware of them and where to find them.
“I think it's good for everyone to be aware of what the bylaws are, and where they can look to see those bylaws on the site and know the rules.”
Properties found in non-compliance may be subject to bylaw enforcement. Any questions, including determining whether a tree is private or city owned, or how to identify elm trees which are under a pruning ban, can be directed to the City of Weyburn Parks Department.
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