To best ensure free flow of traffic through alleys around the City of Cranbrook, especially for city garbage trucks, Public Works staff will be busy pruning trees off and on through the winter months.

Public Works will only be pruning to the property line and where possible will be using proper pruning techniques, but will not cross the property line to make a proper cut. Any vegetation on the city side of the property line will be pruned; however staff will use their best judgment and only prune what is needed. If you wish to have your landscape maintained to a higher degree, you must do the pruning yourself or hire a professional.

“In some cases people have allowed their tree or hedge to grow beyond what is considered acceptable for vehicles to pass safely and the vegetation will need to be cut back,” said Mathew Pocock, Parks Foreman with City of Cranbrook Public Works. “We are not intending to remove a homeowner’s attempt at creating some screening for their yards, but in some cases we will have no choice.”

In many areas of the city residents have also allowed yard waste and branches pile up in alleys. Public Works will not be removing or chipping that material, as often these piles include rocks, soil and other debris, which dulls the blades of the chipper and can cause the machine to malfunction. The city’s Streets & Traffic Bylaw requires that homeowners keep the alleys clear of waste material of any description, partially to ensure free flow of traffic through those areas as there needs to be enough space for a city garbage truck with its hopper open to pass freely.

It is also important to note that the city does not prune vegetation overgrowing onto city sidewalks, unless it is coming from a city owned tree or shrub. Please help keep your sidewalks clear of any obstructions all year long including vegetation growth, snow and ice.

If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at 250-489-0218.

Lead image by BC Hydro

City of Cranbrook

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