Enforcement for hedges/trees intruding on sidewalks

[Zoe Miller]

Hi all, 

At a recent meeting of the Friends of Allen's Corner (the community group focused on the Allen/Washington commercial zone of North Deering) we talked about the problem of hedges/trees intruding on sidewalks. I'm guessing many others have had the experience of being forced to walk in the street because of this. Has this group discussed the issue -- and does anyone know the current approach to enforcement on this issue? For instance, if you report this on See Click Fix, does the City go out to look and/or trim? 

I'm happy to reach out to the city to ask and report back. But figured folks may know the answer already!

Thanks:) Zoe

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Zoe Miller

207-838-8382

[Zack Barowitz]

Years ago, Jeff Darling, the city arborist deputized Alex L from this group to cut back or break off intrusive branches. I assume the authorization extends to everyone and still stands.  

207-838-6120

917-696-5649
ZacharyBarowitz.com

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[Zoe Miller]

Ha. 

Alex: Can I start sending you locations to prune?

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Zoe Miller

207-838-8382

[Zack Barowitz]

*Tarling

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[Emma Holder]

Whew- that’s powerful. 

I’ll get my chainsaw going… (kidding) BUT

There are some really bad spots. 

Emma

Emma Holder

207.415.7204

Http://emmaholder.com

Humankind. Let's be both. 

On Nov 22, 2025, at 09:47, Zack Barowitz <zbar...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Zoe Miller]

I just emailed the current city arborist Mark Reiland. I will keep everyone updated. 

I'm also wondering if this is an arena where neighbors could volunteer to do the trimming for a property owner who is unable to do it themselves. Similar to shoveling. My guess is that in many cases, it's an older or low income homeowner who struggles to do it. 

We were talking in friends of Allen's Corner about creating door hangers that give a friendly nudge to folks who are not clearing snow, ice, or branches. And could say something about how sidewalks are essential to the third of Portland people who are Nondrivers 

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Zoe Miller

207-838-8382

[Catherine Buxton]

Thanks for raising this Zoe, I’m not sure if it adds any urgency, but the hedges and trees are especially an issue for vision impaired pedestrians. Even folks with service dogs; the dogs are not generally able to detect the branches and it can be really dangerous and painful. Have had numerous conversations with two folks who are blind, live near USM, and have been taken down by branches a few times. Not sure if the ADA access to sidewalks argument could help either empower neighbors to help or ensure the city prioritize these work orders.

-Catherine Buxton

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[Scsmedia]

Removing branches from people's properties without permission is actually illegal.  Primary reason the city does not do it.  See the conversation about cleaning up needles, the city says it cannot go on private property to do it.  Downtown Portland has made agreements with property owners that allow them to do it.

There have been some guerilla cutting in the past in limited circumstances.  One of the persons who did it no longer has a vehicle or the tools.

Direct requests should not be made on the listserv.

Steven Scharf

207-415-4662

SCSM...@aol.com

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[Zack Barowitz]

Thanks for the clarification Steve. I think some of the comments (mine at least) were somewhat tongue in cheek. But do you know the law about when trees or shrubs hangs into our neighbors yard or the right of way? I know that CMP routinely comes around and cuts trees that are interfering with their powerlines, and they don’t seem to ask any questions.

Another peeve of mine is when people loam over the sidewalks in front of the house and use it to extend their lawn all the way to the curb that’s depriving the neighbors of that portion of sidewalk, also an ADA issue. 

Zack 

207-838-6120

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[Todd Russell]

This is also a particular challenge for wheelchair users. I’ve reported overgrown shrubs several times on SeeClickFix and it does usually seem to prompt it getting cut back by someone. But not always very quickly 

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 23, 2025, at 11:56 AM, Zack Barowitz <zbar...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Zoe Miller]

Hi all, 

Here is Mark Reiland's response (with my email to him below).

Thank you for the replies and comraderie! 

Hi Zoe,

      If vegetation encroachments are reported through SeeClickFix our forestry or horticulture supervisor will visit the property and issue a vegetation violation door hanger with a quick explanation of the issue and the mitigating actions required (assuming the offending plant(s) are on private property).  The property owners generally have 2 weeks to remediate the situation before the city crew will go in and prune for clearance.  Generally speaking, the vast majority of property owners are quick to remedy the situation or at the very least reach out to our office and coordinate our crew taking care of it due to financial hardship or inability to do it themselves.  Very rarely do we have to flex municipal authority to get it done, but it happens on occasion.  If you or your neighbors are willing to help the property owners who are unable to complete the pruning themselves that would be ideal and do far more to foster goodwill amongst neighbors than our municipal process. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any further questions or concerns and have a great Thanksgiving!

 

Mark Reiland

City Arborist

City of Portland, Maine

212 Canco Road - Suite A
Portland, ME 04103

On Sat, Nov 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM Zoe Miller <zoes...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Mark, 

At a recent meeting of Friends of Allen's Corner we talked about the problem of hedges/trees intruding on sidewalks. Many of us have had the experience of being forced to walk in the street because of this. Can you please tell me what the current approach to enforcement on this issue is? For instance, if you report this on See Click Fix, does the City go out to look and/or trim? Or notify the property owner that they need to do so? 

I'm also wondering if this is an arena where neighbors could volunteer to do the trimming for a property owner who is unable to do it themselves. Similar to shoveling. My guess is cases it's an older or low income homeowner who struggles to do it. 

Let me know! 

Thanks:) Zoe

Zoe Miller

207-838-8382

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