A tax-paying, law abiding citizen is frustrated and has been frustrated for a while. No one is taking care of the alley behind her home, and she can’t even walk through it if she wanted. She often sees a possum come from the alley and believes it has a home there. She wonders what she can do and who she can call to make this area of her property better. She breaks down and begins making phone calls to the city only to find out it was her responsibility to keep the alley clean.

So often this is a real scenario. Many of Seminole’s alleys are neglected and have so much overgrown brush that it is near impossible to walk through.

“Many people do not know that it is the tenant’s or property owner’s responsibility to maintain half of the alley behind their property and the result is a neglected alleyway with lots of bush, overgrown trees, and tall weeds and grass,” said Code Enforcement Officer Amy Churchwell, “This is especially important to keep clean and maintained for fire safety and keeping rodents away.”

Officer Churchwell encourages property owners to maintain the alleyways, “The alleyway is an easement for utility companies. If there is an ever an emergency with any utilities, you’ll want them to be able to work quickly and efficiently. They can’t do that if they have to work through weeds, trees, trash and tall grass.”

Tall grass and weeds often attracts unwanted animals like rats, mice, and other unwanted pests. Keeping property maintained keeps them away.

Police Chief Jon Withers said, “Clean and maintained alleyways not only gives the property a visual appeal. It also gives criminals less places to hide and keeps burglars away.”

Code Enforcement Officer James Moon advises, “Now is the time to clean alleys if it is overgrown with tall weeds and grass. Getting the brush out now is easier than waiting until summer when the grass is green again. “

Below are 3 ways to clean up an alley.

1. Organize with your neighbors.

2. Make a one-day plan with your neighbors to get out and clean the alley you share. Gather tools, shovels, and saws to make your alley clean in one day.

Hire an outside service.

The City of Seminole has a list of local licensed tree trimmers on their website. Hire one of these companies to outsource the work of clearing the alley way.

https://www.seminole-oklahoma.net/licensed-tree-trimmers

3. Do it yourself. Clearing brush outside in the sunshine can be fun work and a great workout. Do the work yourself and reap the benefits of appreciating a job well done.