We are responsible for ensuring sections do not become overgrown, and trees and shrubs do not encroach too much on to the footpath or roads.
The standards landowners should meet and what we can do if things get overgrown are in our Long Grass and Overhanging Vegetation Bylaw.
Long grass is not only unsightly, it can be a hazard. It is an ideal habitat for rats and mice. The bylaw sets the maximum height for grass in urban areas to half a metre.
If you’re concerned about overgrown vegetation creating a fire risk in Gore or Mataura, new legislation means you’ll need to contact Fire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) directly, not the Council.
Under the Fire Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, FENZ now takes responsibility for urban fire control and removing fire hazards. Previously this responsibility lay with councils.
For more information go to the FENZ website . You can report an issue to FENZ online by clicking on this link
Property owners need to make sure trees, shrubs and plants on the boundary are clear of the road or footpath. We will ask a landowner to undertake any maintenance work if trees and/or shrubs on private land create a nuisance or a potential danger to the public, such as
- Branches overhanging roads or footpaths,
- Roots creating an uneven surface on footpaths,
- A risk of branches falling off or the tree toppling onto public land.
Growth from trees, low shrubs, vines and hedges should be kept at least 2m away from any road or footpath.
If no action is taken, the Council can undertake the required work and recover the cost from the landowner.
