Low-hanging tree branches obstructing sidewalk (neighborhood, utilities, lawsuit)

[gladhands]

Does the city make homeowners prune those branches? What if the tree is planted on city property? Does the city maintain that, or the property owner?

There are several places in my neighborhood where sidewalks are virtually impassible for anyone over 5'2", because of low hanging branches.

[Lost_In_Translation]

Bring some hedge clippers with you and have at it. Homeowners have a responsibility to maintain clear sidewalks, but good luck enforcing. Best to just take care of the issue yourself if it bugs you.

[szug-bot]

if a tree is on city property (or, in the context you mean, the 'right-of-way'), the City cares for it.

if a tree is on the person's property but is overgrown (and I feel your pain - broken sidewalks, hedges where dogs pee and worse, weeds, etc. all where people are supposed to walk), it is the owner's responsibility.

I think technically it is not legal for you to cut away, not because the plants are on private property, but because you are doing work in the right-of-way. there is probably some liability issue there. You can talk to the owner, or place a 311 call.

[Lost_In_Translation]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

if a tree is on city property (or, in the context you mean, the 'right-of-way'), the City cares for it.

if a tree is on the person's property but is overgrown (and I feel your pain - broken sidewalks, hedges where dogs pee and worse, weeds, etc. all where people are supposed to walk), it is the owner's responsibility.

I think technically it is not legal for you to cut away, not because the plants are on private property, but because you are doing work in the right-of-way. there is probably some liability issue there. You can talk to the owner, or place a 311 call.

Good luck with that 311 call. Don't expect anything to be done promptly unless other work related to utilities is being done there. And talking with an owner just puts a face to a complainer for a neglectful, grumpy owner. Quick trimming anonymously is safer that dealing with those people and the chance of lawsuit is a lot less if they don't know your name.

[UKyank]

If it's on city property the number to call is: 412-665-3625

[guy2073]

Don't call 311 call the forestry division directly. They are nice but under staffed.

[azsportpilot]

just duck when you walk there, or the limbo, good for ab muscles