All trees standing upon private property in the Municipality having branches projecting into public highways or public places shall, and under the supervision of the Director of Public Service in consultation with a certified arborist, be kept trimmed by the owner or occupant of such private property to such an extent that the lowest branches of such trees shall not come within nine feet of the ground where they overhang any public sidewalk, public place or public highway. The Municipality shall advise property owners of the need for pruning or removal of any trees on private property within the Municipality when such tree(s) constitutes a hazard to public property or to any person using said public property or to any person or public property. If, after giving reasonable notice to the property owner, the hazard continues, the Municipality shall prune or remove the tree(s) and invoice the property owner for the cost. In the event that the property owner fails to pay, the amount charged to the property owner shall be a lien on the property and said amount shall be certified by the Finance Director to the County Auditor, to be placed on the tax duplicate and collected the same as other taxes as provided by law.
(Ord. 90-21. Passed 11-22-21.)