(A) The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the planting, maintenance and removal of trees on municipally-owned public property and rights-of-way within the town and on municipally-owned property wherever located. In order to protect and conserve trees on public property and rights-of-way, this chapter provides for the pruning, treatment and removal of trees and shrubs as is deemed necessary by the Town Council or a person acting under the authority of the Town Council. This chapter is also intended to provide for the trimming or removal of trees on public or private land when they obscure street light, interfere with utility lines, constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic or otherwise endanger the public health, safety or welfare.
(B) Another purpose of this chapter is to encourage the protection of trees and express the town’s intent to use trees to create a more natural and amendable human environment. This chapter is not intended to be punitive nor to cause hardship to any person who uses the utmost care and diligence to protect trees within the town or on town property.
(Ord. passed 8-9-1988)