It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or city department to top any public tree. Topping of private trees is also strongly discouraged. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impracticable may be exempted from this stricture at the determination of the Mountain Home tree committee. (Ord. 1578, 2-13-2012)