Saluda property owners will be receiving a letter that the city will be enforcing its tree trimming ordinance soon. Property owners will receive the letter from the city that gives them until the end of August to comply with the ordinance.

The Saluda Board of Commissioners met July 11 and heard from city manager Jonathan Cannon that he is sending the letter to all property owners.

Cannon said after the letter is sent, those not in compliance will be sent a bill after the city does trimming.

“Since this will be going out to every property in the city, I’m anticipating you may be receiving some happy and unhappy phone calls,” Cannon told council members.

The letter to property owners from Cannon says Saluda enjoys a wide diversity of vegetation.

“The vegetation so many have come to love and appreciate grows quickly,” states Cannon’s letter. “It now encroaches into the streets, sidewalks and right of ways of the city. The City of Saluda Tree Trimming Ordinance regulates trees and vegetation along our streets and sidewalks. The ordinance places the responsibility on the property owner to maintain trees and vegetation. Therefore, in accordance with the Tree Trimming Ordinance of the City of Saluda Section D, consider this letter as notification from the City of Saluda with intent to enforce the Tree Trimming Ordinance on all properties within the city having frontage on a city street or sidewalk.”

The letter goes on to say that the property owner is responsible to trim all trees and vegetation to at least a height of 14 feet above the surface of the road and 8 ft. above the surface of a sidewalk.

The trimming is to be completed by Aug. 31. If a property owner does not trim the vegetation around city streets and sidewalks, then on Sept. 1, the city will contract with a company to trim the vegetation throughout the city.

According to Cannon’s letter, properties not in compliance with the ordinance will receive a bill for $270 to pay for the trimming service.

Unpaid bills will be added to the property owner’s tax bill.

Saluda also plans to trim up to 18 inches from the edge of the road and sidewalk shoulders and to trim around city signage and utility infrastructure.