Making Travel Safe For Motorists

Planting Trees in the Right of Way

Miami Township does not approve permits to dig within the right-of-way for the planting of trees. Residents are not permitted to plant trees within the right-of-way. According to Ohio Revised Code 5529.11, the Board of Trustees may, by a permit request in writing, authorize the owners of property adjoining township roadways, at their own expense, to locate and plant trees and shrubs along such roadways, subject to his approval as to kind, size, and location. Trees illegally planted in the right-of-way may interfere with and cause damage to public utilities or create a safety issue if the tree branches overhang the roadway. Please plant trees out of the road right-of-way.

Annual Subdivision Right-Of-Way Trimming Program

To ensure the safe passage of vehicles on township roadways, Road Department crews trim overhanging branches as a seasonal maintenance program. School buses, emergency response equipment, snow plow trucks, mail delivery, and refuse collection trucks are examples of the large vehicles that travel township roadways throughout the year and may be damaged if tree branches are not trimmed from the right-of-way on a regular basis.

Trees located on private property and within the right-of-way are primarily the responsibility of the property owner. Miami Township does trim branches overhanging the roadway for motorist safety if the property owner doesn’t properly maintain the trees.

Guidelines

The township is divided into area zones for right-of-way tree trimming in subdivisions. Alternating zones are trimmed each year to ensure that all streets receive attention within a 5-year cycle. Here are some guidelines crews use while performing the trimming:

• Residents are encouraged to trim trees back from the roadway before township crews begin work. Township crews are respectful in trimming, but do not trim for an aesthetic appearance. Trimming is completed for the safe passage of vehicles.
• Trees will be vertically trimmed from the back of the curb edge or right-of-way to a minimum height of 14 feet.
• Shrubs and trees which hinder motorist sight from intersection visibility and necessary traffic control signs will be trimmed.
• Shrubs and trees that overhang sidewalks within the right-of-way leaving less than 8 feet of clearance will be trimmed.
• Reminder to avoid planting trees in the right-of-way. Miami Township does not approve permits to excavate  within the right-of-way for the purpose of planting trees.

To view a sample notice and trimming specification click here. 

Zones and Notifications

The zones scheduled to be trimmed in 2022 include: Spring Valley subdivision, Singing Hills subdivision and various rural roads.  Residents of these platted areas will be notified by handbill by December 2021. The advance notice gives residents the opportunity to perform the trimming themselves or hire a professional prior to the start of the township program.

Montgomery County Solid Waste District

Montgomery County residents may dispose of yard waste for free at the Montgomery County Solid Waste District Transfer and Recycling Facility, located at 1001 Encrete Lane in Moraine. Drop off hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.