BUTLER TWP — Residents whose trees are encroaching on roads must cut or trim them or township workers will do it for them, Commissioner Sam Zurzolo warned at Monday's township commissioners meeting.

The overgrown trees block stop signs and speed limit signs and reduce the vision of motorists at intersections, according to a letter from road supervisor Fred Spohn, which Zurzolo read at the meeting.

The trees also damage trucks, buses and travel trailers, the letter said.

In an ice storm, branches from overhanging trees "could fall and kill someone," Zurzolo said.

Warnings have been posted in township newsletters in 2001 and 2005, he said.

Trees must be trimmed within 25 days, Zurzolo said. Residents who want to trim their own trees should contact the road department at 724-287-0885.

"If not the mowing machine will cut them back when in your work zone area,"the letter said.

Zurzolo is the commissioner responsible for road department issues.