The City of Pierre is reminding property owners and renters to trim trees and shrubs that are blocking traffic signs or sidewalks.
Commissioner Vona Johnson says with kids heading back to school soon, we want to make sure they have safe walkways and street crossings.
Johnson says city ordinance (Ordinance 6-4-104)mandates that property owners and renters are responsible for the maintenance of their trees, shrubs and other vegetation.
Pierre Police Chief Jason Jones says they do have the ability to take enforcement action and impose fines, but the preference is always voluntary compliance. He says if drivers don’t see a stop sign because a bush is covering part of it, it’s a potentially dangerous situation for both pedestrians and drivers.
Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Tipton says pruning in the summer when vegetation is at its fullest, makes it easier to identify the low-hanging limbs. He says it also allows people to direct limb growth for next spring.
Again, Pierre City Ordinance requires that all tree limbs be at least 8 feet above the sidewalk and at least 12 feet above the street. It also states property owners and renters are responsible for trimming trees and shrubs which obstruct access to sidewalks or interfere with the visibility of traffic control devices and signs.
Basic tree pruning tips can be found at cityofpierre.org in the City’s Tree Planting Guide.
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