During the erection, alteration, repair, demolition or removal of any building or structure, or excavation in connection therewith, the owner of the affected property shall place or cause to be placed around each nearby public tree one or more protective devices sufficient to prevent injury to the trunk, crown and root system of each such tree. No such device may be installed without a permit issued by the commissioner, who shall first determine that the devices will not injure the tree; such permit shall specify the manner of erecting or installing each protective device.
(Prior code § 32-12)