Somers Hedging Services

Our Hedging Process

Hedging in Somers: Municipal Ordinances, Permits, and Public Works Coordination

Hedging activities in Somers are governed by local ordinances that specify placement, height, and maintenance requirements for property boundaries and public rights-of-way. The Somers Planning and Zoning Commission enforces regulations such as minimum setbacks (typically 10 feet from roadways) and maximum hedge heights (generally 6 feet for front yards). Permits are required for new hedge installations adjacent to public roads or within conservation areas, with an application fee of $50 and a review period of 7-10 business days. Equipment operation for hedge trimming is permitted:

• Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday and holidays: Prohibited

Coordination with the Department of Public Works is necessary for debris removal and to avoid obstruction of drainage systems or sightlines.

Somers Department of Public Works
600 Main Street, Somers, CT 06071
Phone: (860) 763-8238
Official Website: Somers Department of Public Works

Soil Series and Drainage Considerations for Hedging in Somers

Somers’s landscape is characterized by glacial till soils, primarily the Paxton and Montauk series, which are moderately well-drained to poorly drained and often stony. These soils typically have a pH range of 5.5-6.5, requiring lime amendments for optimal hedge growth if pH falls below 6.0. Poor drainage in low-lying areas can lead to root rot in species such as boxwood or yew. For best results:

• Conduct a soil test through UConn Extension (cost: $15-25)
• Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost to a 6-inch depth before planting
• Select species tolerant of seasonal wetness for poorly drained sites
• Maintain a 25-foot buffer from wetlands as required by local ordinance

Research local soil characteristics using the USDA Web Soil Survey to inform species selection and site preparation.

Environmental Compliance: Wetland Buffers and Stormwater Management in Somers

Hedging near wetlands, streams, or conservation areas in Somers is subject to strict environmental regulations. The Somers Conservation Commission enforces a 25-foot no-disturbance buffer from delineated wetlands, and all hedge plantings within 100 feet of these areas require review. The Connecticut Environmental Protection Act and the Clean Water Act prohibit discharge of clippings or soil into storm drains. To comply:

• Maintain 25-foot wetland buffers
• Prohibit fertilizer or pesticide application within 50 feet of water bodies
• Use biodegradable bags for debris; plastic bags are not accepted
• Schedule debris pickup for Thursdays, April-November

Somers Conservation Commission
600 Main Street, Somers, CT 06071
Phone: (860) 763-8220
Official Website: Somers Conservation Commission

Selecting Hedge Species for Somers’s Climate and Wildlife Pressures

Somers is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, with winter lows reaching -10°F and summer highs in the mid-80s. Deer browsing and variable drainage are common challenges. Recommended hedge species for Somers include:

• Full sun: American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), inkberry holly (Ilex glabra)
• Partial shade: Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Japanese holly (Ilex crenata)
• Deer resistant: Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)
• Native options: Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

Plant hedges 18-24 inches apart for dense screening. Consult UConn Extension for additional guidance on species selection and pest management.

Safety Protocols and Equipment Standards for Hedge Maintenance in Somers

All hedge maintenance in Somers must adhere to municipal safety and equipment standards. Operators are required to use:

• Eye protection: ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses
• Hearing protection: Earmuffs or plugs for 85+ dB noise
• Footwear: Steel-toed boots with non-slip soles
• Gloves: Cut-resistant for pruning

Maintain a 15-foot clearance from power lines and avoid equipment operation outside permitted hours. Commercial-grade trimmers must be equipped with functional mufflers, and blades should be sharpened every 20-25 hours of use. The Somers Building Department oversees code enforcement for property maintenance and can provide additional safety guidance.

Somers Building Department
600 Main Street, Somers, CT 06071
Phone: (860) 763-8215
Official Website: Somers Building Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Somers, CT?

• Somers Center: Features mature residential lots with established hedges and moderate clay content soils, requiring careful drainage management and compliance with historic district guidelines.
• Somersville: Characterized by higher water tables and proximity to the Scantic River, necessitating strict adherence to wetland buffer regulations and selection of moisture-tolerant hedge species.
• Hall Hill Road Area: Large properties with open exposures and deer pressure, making deer-resistant and wind-tolerant species essential for successful hedging.
• Gulf Road Corridor: Includes sloped sites and rocky soils, requiring soil amendment and erosion control measures during hedge installation.
• Stafford Road Vicinity: Mix of new developments and older homes, with variable soil compaction and HOA landscaping standards affecting hedge placement and maintenance.
• Mountain Road District: Elevated terrain with well-drained soils and exposure to winter winds, favoring hardy evergreen species and windbreak plantings.
• Shady Lake Area: Near conservation land and water bodies, subject to additional environmental review and buffer requirements for all hedging activities.