Here’s What Could Happen if You Don’t Maintain Your Property in Brampton

Can we all agree to mow our lawns this summer?

It’s true that overgrown hedges and grass can be unsightly, but it’s also true that a home that isn’t maintained can also be dangerous.

Can we all agree to mow our lawns this summer?

It’s true that overgrown hedges and grass can be unsightly, but it’s also true that a home that isn’t maintained can also be dangerous.

The City of Brampton is advising residents to maintain their property and the area they live in by preventing hazardous conditions – essentially, by taking care of their homes.

Not trimming your hedges, mowing your lawn, removing weeds, or eliminating stagnant water can get serious in Brampton.

In fact, if you don’t meet the property standards the City has set or break any of the By-laws related to property ownership, you could face a fine or Order to Comply.

How can you avoid that unfortunate reality?

There are a few different ways.

When it comes to plants like trees and hedges, make sure to keep them trimmed to stop them from overgrowing.

Overgrown plants that block sidewalks can be dangerous to other residents, reads a recent statement from the City.

Keep in mind that if you wish to remove a tree from your property, you will need to contact Parks Maintenance and Forestry by calling 311, as all trees on private and City property are protected under the Tree Preservation By-law.

Next, try to keep your grass short as possible – ideally at about 20 cm or eight inches tall, according to the City. Longer grass not only looks unkempt, but it can attract rodents.

In extreme cases of unkempt grass, the City may issue an Order to Comply, ordering you to cut your long grass and weeds.

If you are trying to fight weeds without pesticides, cutting your lawn more often also reduces the chances weeds have to spread seeds, reads the release. You can also increase the amount you fertilize and aerate the lawn.

Covering your garden and shrub areas with mulch and removing weeds by hands is another effective way to reduce the amount of weeds that will spread.

The City is also advising residents eliminate any sources of stagnant water. This is when water accumulates in children’s toys and wading pools, buckets, tires and on top of pool covers.

Why so?

Stagnant water is unfiltered and can potentially become a breeding area for mosquitos, according to the City. Frequently dumping out this water will prevent any hazardous reactions from forming.

Residents are also asked to stop storing damaged or partially working items or debris on a property. These items not only impact the look of a property and neighbourhood, but can be a safety hazard. That includes store vehicle parts, discarded furniture and appliances, construction materials or animal waste.

The City can issue an Order to Comply requiring any debris to be moved from a property where it’s deemed excessive, and even re-inspect to ensure the job is done. If the debris is still not removed, the City may arrange for a separate contractor to remove it.

And you could be fined.

The cost will be sent to the property owner as due to the Minimum Maintenance (Property Standards) By-law and Refuse and Dumping By-law. This cost, plus an administrative fee, will be added directly to an owner’s property taxes.

Keep your property clean this summer, Brampton!