Many Northfield Center Township residents have questions about property maintenance responsibilities—specifically regarding ditches, dead or diseased trees, and tree branches near powerlines. Below are answers to the most common questions.

Ditch Maintenance – “Am I responsible for the ditch on my property?”

• Northfield Residents are responsible for cutting the grass and vegetation in the ditch area located in either the front, side or rear of their property. Grass should never exceed eight inches.
• Residents should also not put leaves or grass clippings in the ditch as it will block or impede water flow and cause flooding to neighbors. Section 430 of the Northfield Center Zoning Resolution requires property owners to maintain the grass around their home which includes the ditches, flowerbeds and landscaping. (See Northfield Center Township Property Maintenance Code, Section 5.05 and Summit County Ordinance 521.10 Entitled “Noxious Weeds and Rank Vegetation”)

 Dead or Diseased Trees – “Am I responsible for dead trees on my property?”

• It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove any dead or diseased trees located on their property at their expense. Dead trees are a hazard to the homeowner and possibly their neighbors if they are near boundary lines or roadways. (See The Northfield Center Township Property Maintenance Code, Section 5.05, Entitled “Vegetation”)
• Trees and Powerlines:  If your tree branches are touching powerline wires Ohio Edison should be called by the resident. Ohio Edison’s phone number is: 1-800-633-4766 (Branch Cutting) or 1-888-544-4877 (Down Powerline).

* Remember always be safe, never go near a down powerline.*

Ohio Edison uses a Forrester Representative to determine if branches need to be cut or maintained by them. If the tree branches are not pushing or protruding the wires outward, they may not see a need to trim the branches at that time.

The NCT staff is always available to assist our Residents in answering or clarifying our Zoning and Maintenance Code questions by calling (330) 467-7646.

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