No person, firm or corporation shall kill or remove, or cause, authorize or procure the death or removal of any tree planted or growing in any public highway within the City. Any person, firm or corporation desiring for any lawful purpose to take down or remove any tree in any public highway of the City may apply to the Director of Public Properties, and if in the judgment of the Director, the desired taking down or removal appears necessary, the Director may thereupon issue a written permit therefor. Any work done under such written permit must be performed in strict accordance with the terms thereof.