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Cranbrook, BC (May 18, 2023) – Ensuring good visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers is behind the City of Cranbrook’s call to residents and businesses to look after and maintain trees and shrubs along sidewalks and on street corners this spring and summer.

Overgrown hedges and low-hanging tree branches can block vehicle sightlines at some intersections and crowd sidewalks for people on foot, who may need to step into the street to move around them. Under the City’s Streets and Traffic bylaw, residents must ensure that all trees and shrubs are properly trimmed and cut back so they don’t cause any physical obstruction or visibility issues to pedestrians or drivers on the sidewalks or streets, especially at intersections.

“We are committed to the safe mobility of our residents and visitors either on foot, on bicycle or in vehicles,” says Mayor Wayne Price. “By keeping sightlines clear and unobstructed through maintaining trees and shrubs, we can continue to keep our streets safe and accessible.”

Pruning, especially in June, is an essential step in helping keep your favourite trees and plants healthy and lush. Left on their own, plants can become overgrown, diseased, or dried out. Pruning encourages growth and improves longevity in your plants. It can also keep your plants in shape, increase nutrient levels and increase the number of blossoms you may get year after year. Proper pruning can also reduce the risk of disease and the number of pests in your gardens.

Contact your favourite nursery or garden centre for tips and information on proper pruning or consult a local landscape company to prune for you.