(a) No street tree shall be planted unless the urban forestry board shall have first approved the kind, size, variety, and location thereof, and granted a permit therefor. The permit shall be issued without charge.
(b) A list of trees and shrubbery suitable for street trees shall be developed by the board.
(c) Care of street trees shall be the responsibility of the owner of the abutting property.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to top any street or park tree. Topping is defined as the cutting back of limbs to stubs more than six (6) inches in diameter or trimming within the crown to such a degree as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or interfering with utility services or similar obstructions may be topped with the approval of the board.
(e) Stumps of street and park trees shall not project above the surface of the ground.
(f) The city shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within rights-of-way and on public grounds.
(g) The city may remove or cause to be removed, any tree or part thereof which is infested with any pest or is in an unsafe condition or is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements or which interferes with public walkways, streets, highways or alleys.
(Ord. No. 541, §§ 9-109, 9-110, 5-16-83; Ord. No. 607, § 9-10, 1-19-87)