First-time homeowners might be surprised at some of the things that they are responsible for maintaining, such as having to clear away snow from the sidewalk in front of their home or mowing the grass in the city’s easement near the street. While duties and ordinances differ between communities, property care practices are generally split between homeowners, the city, a homeowners association (HOA), and utility companies. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your community’s rules to know when you’re responsible or when responsibility falls elsewhere.
Getting to know your local regulations can save you a lot of headaches. When I bought my first home, I had no idea I’d be out there shoveling snow from the sidewalk at 6 a.m. to avoid a fine! A quick chat with a neighbor or a visit to your city’s website can clarify what’s expected. For instance, some towns have strict rules about keeping easements tidy, while others are more relaxed. If you’re in an HOA, their handbook is your best friend—trust me, you don’t want to get a surprise violation notice for planting the wrong kind of shrub!
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Is the homeowner responsible for trimming trees that grow into overhead power lines?
Trees growing under or next to electrical power lines pose a hazard if their branches reach high enough to interfere with the cables. In most states, the utility company that owns the cables is responsible for trimming trees. The utility also has the right to enter your property to complete that tree trimming. While this might upset some homeowners who don’t want to see a tree cut back, the utility must ensure power delivery to all its customers. Heavy snow on branches or high winds can cause power outages if trees are near power lines. It’s not the homeowner’s duty to trim the trees, but it’s helpful to notify the utility company if you notice branches growing close to the cables.
I’ve seen utility crews come through my neighborhood, and they’re not exactly gentle with the trees—sometimes it feels like they’re giving your favorite oak a bad haircut! But seriously, keeping branches clear of power lines is critical to avoid outages. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 7% of power outages are caused by vegetation issues. If you spot branches creeping too close, a quick call to your utility company can prevent problems. Pro tip: ask them to trim during the dormant season (late fall or winter) to minimize stress on the tree. It’s not your job to cut them, but staying proactive keeps the lights on!
The sewer is backing up—who pays to fix it?
Few home-related issues are as disturbing as sewage backing up into a shower drain. The problem could lie anywhere along the sewer line. The responsibility for fixing it is determined by whether the blockage lies on the homeowner’s side or the city’s. The point where the homeowner’s sewer line connects to the municipal sewer system is considered the spot where responsibility changes. If a sewer backs up because tree roots infiltrate the sewer line in your yard, you’ll have to pay for the repairs. If the blockage lies in the sewer main, the city should foot the bill for repairs.
Dealing with a sewer backup is the stuff of nightmares—I had a friend who found out the hard way when tree roots turned her basement into a mess. Repair costs for homeowner-side issues can range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the damage, according to HomeAdvisor. To avoid surprises, consider getting a sewer scope inspection when you buy a home; it’s about $300 but can spot root intrusions early. If you suspect a city-side issue, don’t hesitate to call your municipal public works department. They’ll usually send someone out to check the main line for free. Knowing where your responsibility ends can save you a hefty bill.
Does the homeowner have to mow the part of the yard the city owns?
In many communities, the city maintains an easement of a few feet next to the street. This area is often located on the street side of a sidewalk, although the easement still exists even if there’s no sidewalk. While a municipality might restrict what a homeowner can and can’t do on this yard strip (building a fence or planting trees), the homeowner is usually responsible for keeping that area tended, including watering grass and mowing it when needed. If the homeowner fails to mow that area, the city may hire someone to mow it and bill the homeowner for the expense.
Mowing that little strip of city-owned land feels like a chore you didn’t sign up for, doesn’t it? In my town, I’ve seen folks get hit with $50-$100 bills from the city for neglecting it. To keep things low-maintenance, I switched to a drought-tolerant ground cover on my easement—check with your city first, though, as some have strict rules. Fun fact: about 30% of U.S. homeowners live in areas with these easements, per the National Association of Realtors. A good push mower and a regular schedule can keep you in the clear, and it’s a small price to pay to avoid a fine.
Who’s responsible for damages if a neighbor’s tree falls in your yard?
A falling tree, or even a large branch that falls from a tree, can do expensive damage to a roof, fence, or landscaping. Fortunately, the cost of necessary repairs is often paid by the injured party’s homeowner’s insurance policy (but check your policy to be sure). However, according to Allstate, if the tree falls on your car, your homeowner’s policy is unlikely to cover the damages. In that case, try filing a claim with your auto insurer.
When a neighbor’s tree crashed into my fence during a storm, I was relieved my insurance covered it, but the deductible still stung. The average cost to repair storm-related damage can hit $5,000-$10,000 for roofs or fences, per the Insurance Information Institute. To avoid disputes, talk to your neighbor before a storm hits—point out any dead or leaning trees. If they’re uncooperative, document the issue with photos. Also, check your insurance policy annually; some don’t cover “acts of God” like windstorms unless you add specific riders. It’s a pain, but preparation saves drama.
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You severed a buried phone line while digging; who pays for repairs?
It’s never a good idea to dig in your yard until all utility companies have marked their buried lines. Most buried lines lie at least 2 feet below the surface, but some may be less than a foot deep. If you sever a phone line while digging, the phone company might send you a bill for the repairs. An exception is made if you did your part and called 811 (Dig Safe) before digging but the utility company failed to come out and mark the lines for you. In that case, the utility company should pay for the repairs.
I learned this lesson when I nicked a cable line while planting a shrub—$200 mistake! Calling 811 is free and takes a couple of days for utilities to mark lines, so there’s no excuse to skip it. The Federal Communications Commission notes that thousands of utility line damages occur yearly because people don’t call first. If you’re planning a big project like a deck, get a professional survey for extra peace of mind; it’s about $500 but worth it to avoid cutting internet for the whole block!
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After a snowstorm, who should dig out buried fire hydrants?
If you live in a region which sees heavy winter snows, likely, the city’s fire hydrants will occasionally be covered by a thick blanket of white stuff. While the community’s protective services are ultimately responsible for making sure the hydrants are dug out, the city will often encourage residents to dig out fire hydrants on or near their property. Covered hydrants are a safety issue, and if firefighters have to dig out a hydrant before they can attach a hose, valuable firefighting time is lost. Communities such as Vail, Colorado, regularly encourage residents to clear snow away from hydrants if they’re able to do so.
Shoveling out a fire hydrant after a blizzard isn’t my idea of fun, but it could save your house. In snowy areas, cities like Vail report that volunteer efforts cut hydrant access time by up to 10 minutes during emergencies. Use a sturdy shovel and clear a 3-foot radius around the hydrant—firefighters need space to work. If you’re physically unable, let your fire department know; they often have programs to help. It’s a small effort for a big payoff in community safety.
Is the homeowner or HOA responsible for clearing storm drains?
Homeowner associations often get a bad rap for implementing restrictive construction, landscaping, and maintenance policies, but they have upsides, too. HOAs usually assume responsibility for maintenance of a neighborhood’s common areas, including clearing clogged storm drains to ensure proper water drainage. If you notice a storm drain is backing up, a call to HOA leadership will often result in a crew showing up to clear the drain.
HOAs can be a mixed bag, but I’m grateful mine handles storm drains—standing water on the street is a nightmare for driving. Clogged drains cause 20% of urban flooding issues, according to the EPA, so it’s worth staying on top of. If you’re not in an HOA, check with your city’s public works department; they may clear drains but can be slow during storms. A quick tip: keep leaves and debris away from drains near your property to prevent clogs in the first place. It’s less hassle than dealing with a flooded street!
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.
I’ve spent years tweaking my lawn routine, and let me tell you, investing in a good sprinkler and a soil test kit (about $15 online) can make all the difference. Healthy lawns can increase property value by up to 15%, per the National Association of Realtors, so it’s worth the effort. Test your soil annually to check pH levels—most grass loves a slightly acidic 6.0-7.0 range. Also, aerating your lawn every couple of years helps roots breathe, especially in high-traffic areas. Grab the right gear, and your yard will be the envy of the block!