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 larger than three inches in diameter within the trees 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 chapter at the determination of the City Service Director. The City Service Director shall make every effort to insure that public tree pruning by utility companies follows the Pruning Standards for Shade Trees provided by the National Arborist Association.
(Ord. 2385. Passed 3-7-95.)