There has probably been a time or two when you have had to walk down a sidewalk where branches dipped so low that you had to duck. Or maybe you’ve observed power lines knotted up in feral trees. These encounters aren’t merely annoying — they can actually be dangerous. That’s a big reason many cities have particular rules about how businesses must trim trees on or near their property.

Business owners must frequently adhere to regulations requiring them to keep branches out of sidewalks and roadways, so pedestrians can travel without encountering hazards. If you are the owner of a large commercial establishment, you need to understand the importance of tree trimming regulations.

Protecting Infrastructure: Wires and Pipes

While trees can add visual appeal and much-needed shade to commercial properties, their roots and branches can negatively impact the infrastructure that people rely on daily.

For example, branches that grow into power lines can damage them. This can lead to electrical fires that can destroy property, cause power outages, and even damage the electrical grid in severe cases. Tree roots can intrude on underground pipes, such as sewer lines, causing contamination to the environment, sewage backups, and leaks that will lead to costly repairs.

This is why cities often have rules that dictate how close trees can be to utility lines and underground plumbing infrastructure. Some municipalities may require businesses to trim trees that pose a risk.

Maintaining Visual Appeal and Property Values

While protecting infrastructure and keeping everyone safe are chief concerns, authorities also care about how their cities look. Well-maintained trees can contribute dramatically to how beautiful a neighborhood appears and enhance the professional images of businesses that are in the area.

Because the authorities don’t want property values in their cities to tank, they have enacted regulations that govern visual appeal, thus they expect business owners to keep their landscaping in top condition. Plus, a commercial district that is well maintained is attractive for customers and residents. This will allow more money to flow into these areas and improve their economies.

Preventing Spread of Disease and Pests

Trees that are unhealthy or diseased can pose a risk to nearby trees as well as to homes and buildings. Some diseases can spread quickly and cause trees to rot and topple over. If they are close enough to where people live and work, they can cause structural damage, such as by causing roofs to cave.

Diseases can quickly spread to nearby trees, and business owners may have to have all of them removed, which can cost thousands of dollars. Pests, such as termites, can infest nearby buildings and cause structural damage, especially if portions of these structures are made of wood.

The regulations that authorities put in place concerning tree trimming reflect a shared responsibility by the community to work together to preserve green spaces and keep everyone safe. If it has been some time since you have given some TLC to your trees on your property in St. Louis, MO, call our highly trained arborists at Double A’s Tree Service for commercial services today.