Wondering what to do with your shrub that hangs over the sidewalk? Colorado Springs City Code dictates that property owners are required to keep their sidewalks clear of obstructions, debris and dangerous conditions. This means we need to trim shrubs from encroaching over sidewalks. Time to get out the pruners!

The city has set out guidelines for its residents, encouraging them to conserve the natural environment and to conserve water. Beyond that, there are ordinances and codes (in parentheses) that set guidelines for public safety, found here.

Weeds

A weed by City Code definition is any plant that grows without cultivation, and is not grown for the purpose of landscaping or food production. We need to keep our yards trimmed to 9 inches or less (9.6.302).

Noxious weeds

Property owners are required to control plants declared to be undesirable (9.6.314). The weed list includes leafy spurge, Canada thistle and three knapweeds: Russian, spotted and diffuse knapweed. Visit the El Paso County Natural Resources Division Web site here for a full list, with photos and details.

General tidiness

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain public rights of way in an appealing manner (4.4.10). The right-of-way generally exists along the curb of all property adjacent to a street. Exact right-of-way measurements should be contained in your deed or can be obtained by calling the City Engineer’s Office.

Trees near the streets need to have their branches trimmed 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets (4.4104). The City encourages us to plant shorter trees under utility lines. Property owners are required to care for and maintain street trees. The City Forestry department will trim street trees, but property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their own property. The city forestry department has a lot of information about tree care, including “Pruning City Trees” and “An Urban Tree Care Guide.”

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension recommends delaying pruning because of the drought we’ve been experiencing. However, they do recommend removal, at any time, of plants or parts of plants that are hazards, are broken, dead or rubbing. CSU has a lot of information about pruning shrubs and trees. You can start here.

Fire hazards

It is the duty of each property owner to keep fire hazards 55 feet away from buildings (9.6.303). The wildfire risk management plan is available online.

Utilities

Landscaping should not interfere with the general function, safety or accessibility of any gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone or drainage facilities (7.4.318).

Visibility

Trim shrubs and trees to maintain visibility of signs. People who own property on corners of intersections must keep clear a 55-foot triangle for visibility by vehicles and pedestrians.

-Contact the Colorado Master Gardener Help Desk at 636-8921 or CSUMG2@elpasoco.com. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For gardening information and additional links, visit the Colorado Master Gardener Web site at cmg.colostate.edu.

Ken Moon, Around the House columnist Photo by