A. Specifications: Detailed arboricultural specifications based on the most recent publication of the International Society Of Arboriculture will be established and kept up to date by the urban forestry board for the planting, maintenance, protection and removal of all public trees and shrubs. This will include restricted lists of public trees and shrubs that may be planted on boulevards and under utility lines. These specifications shall be available for public distribution at no cost. Any person who intends to trim, remove, plant, perform tree surgery or apply pesticides to any public trees and shrubs shall comply with the arboricultural specifications established by the urban forestry board. Any person may suggest amendments to these specifications at any time that experience, new research or laws indicate improved methods.
B. Boulevard: In consideration that the boulevard is the property of the public and under the management of the city, the responsibility for the bird friendly public trees and shrubs planting, removal and maintenance is hereby allocated to the following:
1. It shall be the responsibility of the city to remove and trim public trees and shrubs on the boulevards for the following reasons:
a. Public trees and shrubs, or parts thereof, that are considered by the city forester to be a public nuisance.
b. Public trees and shrubs, or parts thereof, that are found to be in conflict with city initiated public improvements and the construction of the same.
c. Public trees and shrubs, or parts thereof, to be trimmed for the purpose of ensuring their health and longevity.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner abutting the boulevard to trim public trees and shrubs or parts thereof that obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks after consulting the City Forester.
3. The city shall plant bird friendly trees on the boulevard.
4. The abutting property owner is encouraged to plant trees and shrubs on the boulevard. The abutting property owner shall consult with the city forester and follow the arboricultural specifications established by the urban forestry board. The abutting property owner shall water and fertilize trees and shrubs on the boulevard.
5. A detailed list of desirable trees for planting on the city boulevard will be maintained by the urban forestry board and is available for viewing in the City Building Inspection department and the city website.
C. Threat To Urban Forest: If the urban forestry board determines that a threat exists, either manmade or natural, to the future of the city's urban forest (and the bird population), it may recommend programs to ensure planting or replacement of public trees and shiubs as may be required. (Ord. 2023-11, 4-3-2023)