Trees in line for trim after bumper growth

Shrubs and trees across Hutt City have taken off after a spate of warm weather and patchy rain has provided ideal growing conditions.

Hutt City Council’s inspections team has been busy reminding residents to give greenery on their property that has started encroaching on footpaths and pedestrian access ways a trim.

Inspections divisional manager Geoff Stuart says he’s encouraging people to cut overhanging growth back to maintain a reasonable path width and avoid potential health and safety issues.

“When shrubs and trees are left to grow or hang over footpaths they can make it difficult for drivers to see when they’re backing out of driveways. Overhanging plants can also be dangerous for pedestrians and people with prams as they move out on to the berm or road to avoid bushes or being flicked in the face by scraggly branches,” he says.

Property owners and occupiers are responsible for the maintenance of shrubs and trees on their property and with winter fast approaching now is the ideal time to get trimming to ensure they stay within property boundaries.

“During winter, when we get a lot of rain, leaves fallen from overhanging trees can get wet and cause footpaths to become slippery and dangerous.

“Trees and other greenery must be trimmed to provide a clear height of at least 2.1 metres above the footpath or access way outside private properties,” says Geoff.

ENDS

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