For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Terms not otherwise defined herein shall be interpreted first by reference to the Louisville Metro Land Development Code and the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances if specifically defined therein; then according to common usage, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
CERTIFIED ARBORIST. An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.
COMMITTEE. The Louisville Metro Advisory Tree Committee.
COMMUNITY FORESTER. The head of the Louisville Metro Division of Community Forestry.
CRITICAL ROOT ZONE. The minimum area surrounding a tree considered essential to support its viability. The dimensional measurement of the critical root zone is equal to a radius of one foot per one inch of trunk DBH. Thus, in the instance of a 20-inch DBH tree, the tree's critical root zone would consist of a 20-foot radius projecting in all directions from the tree as measured from the center of its trunk; or in terms of full diameter, a critical root zone of a 40-foot diameter spread across the full root system of the tree.
DBH (DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT). The main stem of a tree trunk measured in inches at a height of four and one-half feet above the natural grade of the ground at its base. Whenever a branch, limb, defect or abnormal swelling of the trunk occurs at this height, the DBH shall be measured at the nearest point below four and one-half feet at which a normal diameter occurs. If a tree splits into multiple trunks below four and one-half feet, then the trunk is measured at its most narrow point beneath the split. In determining the DBH for purposes of calculating the value of a tree which has been illegally cut or removed, DBH shall be the top diameter of the stump less than four and one-half feet above the ground.
DEAD TREE. A tree that is dead or has been damaged beyond repair or where insufficient live tissue, green leaves, limbs, or branches exist to sustain life.
DESTROYED TREE. A tree which through an intentional or negligent act or lack of protection is more likely than not to die within a period of five years, as determined by a Certified Arborist employed or retained by the Division.
DIVISION. The Louisville Metro Division of Community Forestry.
DYING TREE. A tree in an advanced state of decline because it is injured, diseased or infested by insects and cannot be saved by reasonable treatment or pruning, or must be removed to prevent spread of the infestation or disease to other trees, or is likely to become a danger.
PROPER ARBORICULTURAL PRACTICES. A reference to the methods employed during tree planting or cutting or removing any part of the branching structure of a plant in the crown, trunk or root areas in accordance with the most recent edition of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) "A-300 Standards" and published "Best Management Practices" of the International Society of Arboriculture.
PRUNING. The removal or reduction of parts of a tree which are not requisite for growth or production, or are injurious to the health or development of a tree.
PUBLIC TREE. A tree with a base wholly or in part situated on Louisville Metro Government owned or controlled land or in public rights-of-way controlled by Louisville Metro, excluding parks and parkways that are under the jurisdiction of Louisville Metro Parks.
PUBLIC UTILITY. An organization that provides a utility service for the use and benefit of the public, including but not limited to electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, storm water, cable, telephone and telecommunications service, and maintains infrastructure for the provision of such service. A public utility may be publicly, privately or cooperatively owned, and may or may not be regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
TOPPING. The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs within a tree's crown and thus reducing the size of the tree using heading cuts that shorten limbs or branches back to a predetermined crown limit. Also referenced as "heading," "tipping," "hat racking," or "rounding over."
TREE MAINTENANCE. Any and all work performed on a tree including, but not limited to watering; structure and safety related pruning; removing dead or diseased limbs; treating insect infestations, fungi, diseases and pest control; and removal when a majority of a tree is dead or is a threat to public health and safety.
(Lou. Metro. Ord. No. 221-2017, approved 12-14-2017)