The director may inspect any tree adjacent to or overhanging any public street in the city to determine whether the same or any portion thereof is in such a condition as to constitute a hazard or impediment to the progress or vision of anyone traveling on such public street. Any tree or part thereof growing upon private property but overhanging or interfering with the use of any street that in the opinion of the director endangers the life, health, safety or property of the public utilizing the street shall be declared a public nuisance. If the owner of such private property does not correct or remove such nuisance within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice thereof from the director, said director may cause the nuisance to be abated and the cost of such abatement shall be paid by the owner within ten (10) days after being notified of the cost thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to impose any liability upon the city, its officers or employees nor to relieve the owner of any private property from the duty to keep any tree upon his property or under his control in such a condition as to prevent it from constituting a public nuisance as hereinabove defined. Nothing in this section shall preclude the immediate removal or abatement by city forces of any obstruction, nuisance or overhang that is a public safety hazard. (Ord. 428, 12-17-1968)