Parks and Grounds crews for the Town of Rocky Mountain House will be addressing trees on public and private property in the coming weeks.

Town officials say crews will focusing on overhanging branches, sightlines and black knot.

Residents are being asked to trim their trees, shrubs and bushes back from public thoroughfares. According to the Town, overhead branches must be trimmed to 14 feet above streets and alleys, and 8 feet above sidewalks.

Remember, snow-laden branches will hang lower in the winter, say Town officials. Residents are asked to take that into consideration when trimming overhead to allow snow clearing equipment to safely navigate streets and alleys.

Officials say Black Knot is caused by a pathogen known as Apiosporina morbosa. The airborne fungus is said to be very contagious. Officials say spores are spread to other trees and shrubs by wind and birds. It infects trees within the prunes family and is also known to infect shrubs in the Rose family, officials point out. 

Town officials note that early detection and sterile pruning is the most effective way of dealing with Black Knot. According to Town officials, pruning infected trees in winter months is best as the lesions are more noticeable from the lack of foliage and the disease is dormant so there is less risk of spread.  

If Town crews observe an overhanging tree or Black Knot growing on private property, officials say they will leave a notice for the resident/property owner, along with information on how to address the issue.