Euskirchen Issues Plant Maintenance Guidelines for Property Owners
Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, has issued guidelines for property owners regarding plant maintenance to ensure safety and visibility on public roads. Neglecting greenery can lead to liability and accidents.
Property owners must prune hedges and shrubs back to their property boundaries. This is crucial to maintain clear sight triangles at intersections and junctions, preventing visibility obstructions when turning. Overhanging branches and overly wide or tall hedges can restrict traffic flow and endanger pedestrians and cyclists.
Pruning is ideal from October to the end of February. During this period, owners should remove dead wood and check for sick or dead trees, securing or removing them as necessary. This helps maintain visibility of traffic signs and junctions, which can be restricted by neglected greenery. Property owners are liable if damage or accidents occur due to their neglected greenery.
If growth extends beyond the property boundary into the public traffic area, it constitutes an unauthorized special use. Owners must keep light cones of street lamps clear and traffic signs free of growth to ensure visibility and safety in traffic.
Euskirchen's guidelines emphasize the importance of regular and timely pruning to prevent accidents and liability. Property owners are obligated to maintain clear visibility on public roads by managing their greenery effectively.
