No person or firm shall top any tree planted on public property. Topping is defined as a severe cutting of tree limbs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree's crown so as to remove the normal branch canopy, and cause disfigurement of the tree.
Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or trees under utility wires or other obstructions where pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from the requirements of this section if authorized by the City Shade Tree Commission and Director of Public Service.
(Ord. 1981-16. Passed 3-2-81.)