Unless specifically authorized by the Shade Tree Commission, no person shall recklessly damage, cut, carve, whether above or below ground, or transplant or remove any tree or shrub; attach a rope, wire, nails, advertising posters or other contrivance to any tree or shrub; allow any gaseous liquid or solid substance which is harmful to such trees or shrubs to come in contact with them; or set fire or permit any fire to burn when such fire or the heat therefrom will injure any portion of any tree or shrub.
Whoever violates this section is liable in treble damages for the injury caused. If the property can be restored substantially to its former condition, damages shall be the reasonable cost of restoring the property. If the property cannot be restored substantially to its former condition, damages shall be the cost of replacing the tree or shrub with new plantings of like kind, quality, and, if possible, size. (Ord. 749. Passed 6-1-92.)