If your plants are getting in the way of people using Wiscasset’s sidewalks, you may want to get out the clippers or the town may do the trimming for you.

This month, the Wiscasset Public Works Department will be out clearing the way for sidewalk users by trimming back encroaching plants and shrubs. The work stems from a problem noticed on a March walkability audit that town officials, a group of Wiscasset High School students, merchants and others went on with internationally known walkability expert Dan Burden.

Any time ways are found to make improvements, such as the trimming idea that came out of the audit, it’s important to follow through, Town Planner Misty Parker said Sept. 5.

Burden’s walk along the streets of Wiscasset’s downtown village turned up examples of shrubbery that pedestrians might need to step into the street to avoid, according to a Sept. 4 press release from the town, announcing the trimming work.

“When ornamental plants are not maintained regularly by property owners, overgrowth can encroach upon public walkways making walkability a challenge for residents and visitors alike,” the release states.

Public Works Director Doug Fowler asks residents who may not want the town to cut their vegetation back, to do that work themselves.

The department’s trimming work is expected to wrap up by October.

“The town would like to thank property owners in advance for their understanding and support as we all work together to make Wiscasset village a more positive place to walk and enjoy,” Thursday’s release states.

The Midcoast Public Health District funded Burden’s visit. During the tour, he told participants that Wiscasset has scenic views better than he had seen in all of North America.