The following specifications and standards of practice apply to the planting of trees in the City:
1. Size. All trees planted on the streets in the City shall be of sufficient size to warrant satisfactory results and be able to stand the abuse common to street trees.
2. Grade. Unless otherwise allowed for substantial reasons, all standard sized trees shall have comparatively straight trunks, well-developed leaders and top and root characteristics of the species or variety showing evidence of proper nursery pruning. All trees shall be free of insects, diseases, mechanical injuries and other objectionable features at the time of planting. To compensate for any serious loss of roots, the top of the tree should be reduced by thinning or cutting back, as determined by the growth characteristics of the tree species; provided, however, the leader shall not be cut off in such trimming.
3. Planting. Street trees shall not be planted on the parking if it is less than eight (8) feet in width or contains less than eighty-one (81) square feet of exposed soil surface. Trees shall not be planted closer than twenty (20) feet to street intersections (property lines extended) on corner lots and ten (10) feet to driveways on all lots. Trees may be guyed or supported in an upright position according to accepted arboricultural practices. The guys or supports shall be fastened in such a way that they will not girdle or cause serious injury to the trees or endanger public safety.
4. Flowers and Shrubs. Only flowers or shrubs with a maximum height of thirty (30) inches or less may be planted in any street parking, boulevard or cul-de-sac, 35 feet from the intersection of two street property lines (right-of-way lines). A planting permit is not required for flowers or shrubs.