The City of Pierre is reminding property owners to clear vegetation that is blocking traffic signs and walking paths.
“There are a number of locations throughout Pierre where bushes or low-hanging trees are blocking stop signs and trees are obstructing sidewalks,” said Police Chief Jason Jones. “Especially with kids heading back to school soon, we want to make sure they have safe walkways and street crossings.”
Chief Jones went on to say that the street signs are especially concerning.
“If drivers don’t see a stop sign because a bush is covering part of it, you’re looking at a potentially very dangerous situation for both pedestrians and other drivers.”
City Ordinance 6-4-104 mandates that property owners and renters are responsible for the maintenance of their trees and requires that all tree limbs be at least eight feet above the sidewalk and at least twelve feet above the street. It also states property owners and renters are responsible for trimming trees and shrubs which interfere with the visibility of traffic control devices and signs.
“We do have the ability to take enforcement action and impose fines, but our preference is always voluntary compliance,” said Chief Jones. “We’d appreciate the community’s help in keeping Pierre safe and beautiful.”
Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Tipton added that pruning in the summer provides some benefits.
“This is when our vegetation is at its fullest,” said Tipton. “That makes it easier to identify the low-hanging limbs. It also allows people to direct limb growth for next spring.”
Basic tree pruning tips can be found at cityofpierre.org in the City’s Tree Planting Guide.