Campaign beat uncovers tree problems

By Ed Merrison
KNOX councillors canvassing Knox in the run up to November’s elections uncovered a growing trend on the municipality’s footpaths.
At the ordinary meeting of council on Tuesday, 13 December, mayor David Cooper and Baird Ward councillor Jim Penna spoke of low-lying branches spilling onto the footpaths as they went door-knocking.
Their findings led to a call for clearer public information on residents’ obligations regarding vegetation encroaching onto roads and paths. Knox City Council’s director of corporate development, Mick Jaensch, said it was very important that footpaths remained accessible for all pedestrians.
“Residents are encouraged to cut or trim back any branches, shrubs, bushes trees or vegetation that is overhanging or obstructing the footway to a height of no less than 2.5 metres above the footpath,” he said.
The footpath provisions also apply to nature strips, parks and other reserves that the council manages, while the mandatory clearance over roads is 3.5 metres.
Residents failing to comply with the guidelines will have the overhanging vegetation assessed for risk, and will then receive a notice requesting that the vegetation be trimmed back.
“The time to comply with the notice and further follow-up action will be dependent on the level of risk assessed at the time,” Mr Jaensch said.
Residents who encounter trees or shrubs infringing on private or council-owned property are advised to contact the council’s customer service department.
An inspector will then be assigned to decide how to proceed.
Mr Jaensch said problems with vegetation could be managed with regular checking and good planning.
“Council recommends residents check their garden in autumn and spring each year and trim back plants that may cause a problem,” he said.
“Also, residents should allow plenty of room for growth when planting new trees or plants close to the property boundaries.”