As winter weather rapidly approaches, the Town would like to pass on an important reminder to help keep our community and roads safe this winter. There are many areas throughout the Town where tree limbs encroach into roadways. This poses a serious problem for our snow plows, street sweepers and all taller vehicles, including emergency responders.
In September 2008, the Town revised and adopted the "Construction Specifications and Design Considerations for Parks, Trails and Streetscapes" as an ordinance. This document spells out, among other items, the responsibility of the property owner, occupant or lessee abutting any Town right-of-ways to maintain and care for trees in the right-of-way. It sets the standard for tree branch clearance to be maintained at no less than 16 feet above the street and no less than eight feet above the sidewalk. Without this clearance, snow plows are unable to remove snow under tree overhangs, which often results in ice buildup. Street sweepers also have to avoid these areas, leaving debris and sand mix behind after the snow melts. The full text of this document can be viewed online at the link below.
In addition to providing the needed access for vehicles, proper pruning of trees can reduce the potential for branch breakage and tree failure in heavy and wet snow storms. The Town also recommends consulting a qualified and reputable tree care professional for any tree-related work. For more information email estadsvold@parkeronline.org.