MADISON, Wis. -- Blocked sidewalks are traditionally thought of as a problem during the winter, but the city of Madison is also sending out warnings and citations for obstructions in the summer.

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The problem isn't on the sidewalk, but what's growing over or around it. As people stroll down many neighborhood streets, they might find low-hanging branches and bushes in their path. It can leave many walkers hoping to enjoy the warmer temperatures to bob and weave around the overgrowth, WISC-TV reported.

Hitting the street isn't without its obstacles either.

"I know there are a lot of walkers around here, a lot of runners, so it's a problem," said runner Maureen Gaulrapp. "I find myself running on the side of the road a lot."

The city's Neighborhood Preservation and Inspection Division respond to resident complaints about such blockages, and will follow-up with residents with warnings about clearing the sidewalk.

Division Director George Hank said that they get about two complaints a week, and have ticketed some people this summer.

"You have to maintain your sidewalk free from obstructions -- that could be children's play toys, setting up tables on it and of course, plantings that obstruct the sidewalk," he said. "That's a fairly common thing we deal with."

Besides clearing obstructions coming from the side of the sidewalk, residents are also supposed to have a 7-foot clearance, WISC-TV reported.

Runner Darlys Lawinger said that she see obstacles on her West Madison runs and the obstructions add to joggers' challenges.

"You're always worried about tripping over the sidewalk, let alone tripping over other things," she said.

Inspection officials said that they'll respond to resident complaints, but some runners said that filing a complaint isn't always the easy answer.

"I think sometimes, it's hard to call in on your neighbor and do that because then if they find out who did that then, there's some hard feelings," Gaulrapp said. "It is a safety issue for those of us who are out here."

Hank said that abandoned or foreclosed properties have also been an issue, and they've been using city nuisance abatement ordinances to get those properties cleaned up.

If residents have blockages on their sidewalks, the city will first give homeowners a notice and a week to clear the obstruction. If it's not cleared, however, they will be subject to a fine of $109 to 172, or action from the city attorney's office.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.