(a) The existence of any poplar tree or the roots thereof in, under or upon the sidewalk, streets or public places of the City which obstructs or stops any sewer, or loosens or destroys any street or sidewalk paving or which interferes with the ordinary, usual and reasonable use of any sidewalk by pedestrians is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is prohibited.
(b) No person shall plant or cause to be planted any poplar tree in or upon any sidewalk, street or other public ground within the City.
(c) No person shall fail or neglect to remove any poplar tree or the roots thereof in, under or upon the sidewalk in front of any premises owned, in whole or in part, by him, which obstructs or stops any sewer, or loosens or destroys any street or sidewalk paving or which interferes with the ordinary, usual and reasonable use of any sidewalk by pedestrians, within fifteen days from the time he is notified in writing to do so by the Director of Public Service- Safety.
(d) In case any person fails to comply with the notice described in subsection (c) hereof, in regard to any poplar tree or the roots thereof, the Director of Public Service-Safety is hereby authorized and directed to remove any such poplar tree or the roots thereof existing in violation of subsections (a) through (c) hereof, in order to abate such nuisance or unlawful obstruction. The cost and expense of such removal shall be assessed and collected against the property or the person in default by reason of the violation hereof, and, in addition, such person shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(1967 Code 521.21)