(a) Public utilities, under the supervision and direction of the City Forester, are authorized, but not obligated, to trim trees upon and overhanging the streets, avenues, alleys, highways, sidewalks and other public lands in the City, to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with wires and cables.
(b) Public utilities, under the supervision and direction of the City Forester, are authorized, but not obligated, to cut roots of trees and shrubs under the streets, avenues, alleys, highways, sidewalks and other public lands in the City, in order to construct, maintain and operate their facilities in and about the City.
(1977 Code § 28-134)