The lush foliage of Bermuda is part of the Island's beauty, but it can also prove a menace.

Government is now warning homeowners to prune their trees and hedges before they become a roadside hazard.

With the heavy rainfall in June, there is concern overgrowth could hamper motorists' visibility.

A spokesman said: "The Ministry of Works and Engineering is appealing to all landowners whose properties border major roads or intersections to ensure their hedges or overhanging foliage such as trees, are not a safety hazard to the motoring public.

"The Ministry's policy requires roadside hedges to be inspected every six months and trimmed, where required.

"The overgrowth of vegetation is a safety hazard for the motoring public and is currently particularly heavy, given the excessive rain in June."

Government's Hedge Trimming Policy entails a Ministry representative notifying landowners of any concern about overgrowth, to give the landowner an opportunity to cut back the foliage.

If after 30 days of the written notice however, this still has not been done then Government staff will carry out the work and charge the landowner for the service.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering spokesman said: "It has always been this Ministry's policy to work with the landowner where possible so that an agreeable decision can be made when cutting their hedges.

"However, there are times when this work must be undertaken promptly, and when required the Ministry will cut back vegetation to address an immediate safety concern, and in some cases without the landowner's knowledge.

"The Ministry thanks the public for their assistance."