With warmer weather upon us, the City of Brampton is urging residents to do their part in keeping their neighbourhoods neat and clean.

Those not doing so could face fines.

In a release titled “Be a good neighbour” sent on May 11, the city is asking residents to focus on a few areas to maintain their properties, some of which are required by law.

“Bylaws help maintain the quality of our city, and every Bramptonian has a role to play in upholding these standards. Do your part to contribute to Brampton’s well-being — know your responsibilities and follow city bylaws to help ensure everyone can enjoy a clean, safe city,” read the release.

The city is emphasizing five areas: trees, grass and weeds, stagnant water, debris and boulevard maintenance.

For trees, the city recommends property owners keep trees and hedges on private property trimmed and to avoid overgrowth interfering with pedestrians on sidewalks.

While trimming is encouraged, Brampton’s tree preservation bylaw protects trees on private property. Anyone wishing to cut down or remove a tree must consult the city’s parks maintenance and forestry, which can be reached by dialing 311.

Brampton also has a grass-cutting bylaw on the books, requiring property owners to keep grass trimmed to or below 20 centimetres or eight inches in length.

Failure to maintain lawns to that standard can result in a maintenance order from the city. If the order is ignored, the city will take further steps to ensure compliance.

“The city will reinspect and if the grass and/or weeds are still not cut, will arrange for a contractor to cut them, charging the cost to the property owner. This cost, plus an administrative fee, will be added directly to an owner’s property taxes,” wrote city staff in the release.