grows J am often asked: “Can T plant here, cut this tree or build on this spot?” Not being a lawyer Lam not in a position te give a legal opinion. However, as a Jand- scape consultant I can often provide some useful informa- tion. Bylaws vary among munici- palities and you should check with city hail if you have a spe- cific concern or problem. - One of the first things a home owner should do is determine the exact bound- aries of th property. This can be done informally by checking the measurements on the legal description with those on the property or by having a formal land survey done. The front property line adjacent to the road allowance is usually located at the water shut-off valve, Side and back property lines may or may not follow fences or hedges. Look . for a triangular white stake and _ iron pin at the corners of your if SA WA property. You might not own as much property as vou thought you did. Limits on fence heights in most areas are 6 feet (1.83 m) in the front and 8 feet (2.44 my) on the back and s ; There are no restrictions o hedge heights but if the hedge is straddling the property line you are only allowed to tim your side. When planting a hedge, it is always best to locate it on your side of the line to main- tain control, Where a hedge protrudes onto municipal property, particularly over a sidewalk, the parks board has the right to shear it back to the property line even though the pruning may turn the hedge brown. It is therefore best to keep the hedge well trimmed and off public prop- erty. There is no law restrict- ing the height of trees on pri- vate property. When a neigh- bor’s tree or tree branch is an obvious dan- ger tu your house or prop- erty you should inform your neighbor in writing that you would like the tree or branch removed. The tree owner must take reasonable care and can- “aot claim the damage done by a falling tree is an act of God if they were forewarned. Home owners should also be aware of the environmental protection bylaws in some municipalities. For instance, in North Vancouver District, property 5 a RI ot és] a KEEP your hedge well trimmed and off public property. When erty line to maintain control. If it protrudes onto your neighbor owners must apply for a per- mit if they wish to cut trees on steep slopes, in stream corri- dors or on beach fronts. Trees that are habitat for wildlife such as hawks and eagles are also protected. Large Douglas fir, Western hemlock, Red cedar (over 0.75 m in diameter) and Western yew (over 0.25 m) require a permit before cutting. Heritage stumps (over 1.5 m in diameter) with spring-board notches are also covered under the bylaw. Branches hanging over the fence line can be removed. In the case of falling fruit, you are allowed to clean up the fruit but it must be returned to the owner. Invasive tree roots can also be a problem between proper- ties, One way to stop the roots at the property line in to put in a 0.5-metre deep root barri- GREAT NEW DESIGNS Manutacturer's suggested retail price. Commercial vinyls not included. Oo OH RR HERR cena Oo _— — 1420 nner LONSD Computer Color Matching System Just bring in your sample - whether its fabri : : wallpaper or almost any decorating material - {5 and cur computer will give you an accurate paint-color match in minutes. SALE EFFECTIVE ae er along your side of the fence. For problem arees such as willows, it is again best to inform your neighbor by letter that you want the tree removed. Should a civil suit involving sewage or drainage problems occur in the future, a copy of the letter is important. Municipalities expect p erty owners to maintain the boulevard areas in front of their houses but this has led to some problems. Before doing, any major landscaping on the boulevard, check with city hall to see what regulations apply. -Problems with visibility at street corners and driveways can be avoided if the boule- vard plants are kept below 3 feet (0.91 m). Hedges adja- cent to driveways can be tapered or stepped down as they approach the street to allow better visibility. rN Enter our Colouring Boulevard areas should be free of major plantings for the first 5 or 6 feet from the strect to allow people to step out of cars. Gravel, grass or a very low ground cover are the most common. Off-street parking on the boulevard, while com- monly done, is contrary to local bylaws. Planting of appropriate street trees is encouraged bur many tax dol- lars are spent every year prun- ing over-sized trees to prevent damage to trucks and buses. Large trees can also send out roots that heave sidewalks and break up the pavement. Buying or selling a proper- with a garden can lead to problems in some cases. Once a plant has been placed in the ground it is considered to be part of the garden and cannot be removed with the contents of the house. This also applies Ane | Contest aed you could win Draw Oct. 12/96 FREE PARKING UNTIL NOV, 9/96 GRIZZLY or CANUCK 986-1420 ran Ee NEWS photo Mike Wekefietd planting a hedge, keep it on your side of the prop- "s property, you are only allowed to trim your side. to hard landscaping features that are permanently attached or concreted into the ground. If you wish to take any plants with you, be sure that it is wiitten into the agreement of sale and signed by the buyer even if the house is to be demolished. In general, the best advice when dealing with fences, trees and public land is to discuss the problem with your neigh- bors and/or municipal officiais and hope they will help you to find a solution. Civil court cases are costly and create bad feelings amongst neighbors. FEATURING * BOSCH ¢ JENNAIR ¢ INGLIS » FRIGIDAIRE * PANASONIC * KITCHENAID * DANBY * DACOR * WHIRLPOOL ¢ G.E. * MAGIC CHEF ¢ HOT POINT ¢ SUB ZERO ¢ ADMIRAL * VENMAR * AND MANY THER QUALITY BRANDS * COMPACT & FULL SIZE * BUILT-IN & FREE STANDING ¢ GAS & ELECTRIC * MOST ITEMS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY OR PICK UP | CHECK US OUT V HUGE SELECTION v LOW WAREHOUSE PRICES HOME FURNISHINGS ff 1075 Roosevelt Crescent North Vancouver f° (2 blocks behind Avaton Hotel) Open Daily Fri. 9-9; Sun 12-4