(a) Tree Species. The Shade Tree Commission develops and maintains a list of desirable trees for planting along streets and elsewhere within the City. Tree species listed in Section 150.07 are the only species acceptable for planting within the City.
(b) Topping. It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or City department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this section at the determination of the City Shade Tree Commission.
(c) Planting. Trees shall not be planted at any location within the City without the specific written approval of the Shade Tree Commission. Only those tree species listed in Section 150.07 shall be considered for new or replacement planting. All tree planting shall comply with the American Association of Nurserymen Standards unless special standards are allowed by the Shade Tree Commission. New and replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with Exhibit "A" of Ordinance 93-2 marked "TREE PLANTING DETAIL".
(d) Maintenance. No person, firm, or corporation shall provide tree maintenance of any kind to any City owned tree without the express written consent of the Shade Tree Commission.
(e) Removal. No person, firm or corporation shall remove, cut above the ground, or disturb any tree on any street, park, or other public place without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the Shade Tree Commission. The person receiving the permit shall abide by the standards set forth in this section. The Shade Tree Commission may remove or cause or order to be removed, any tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewer, utility lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements or is affected with any infectious fungus, insect or other pest.
(Ord. 93-2. Passed 2-11-93.)