(A) Public property system wide care.
(1) The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will plant, maintain, remove and replace trees on public property; will plant at the correct depth in the appropriate planting season; will remove damaged trees parts or trees that pose a public safety concern or to improve the health or appearance of the trees; will fertilize, water, mulch, stake and prune; and will inspect and treat as necessary for diseases and insects; and
(2) Dead trees and woody vegetation in the city’s parks system, along trails and public property to be permitted to lie dormant to create a natural unmaintained setting and to create a wildlife habitat.
(B) Trees infected with a disease or insects. Trees infected with a disease or insects that may be pervasive, are hereby declared a nuisance. The city shall investigate possible disease or insect incidents on public property, and remedy on public property. Private property owner(s) shall investigate and remedy on their own property; and if not remedied, the city shall seek abatement.
(C) Tree topping. Tree topping shall not be the normal practice on public property and public rights-of-way, except when:
(1) Trees are severely damaged by a storm or other causes; and/or
(2) Trees are located under utility wires or other obstructions where pruning is impractical.
(D) Vandalism. No person shall in any manner deface, injure or remove any tree or shrub standing or growing on public property. Any person committing vandalism is liable for any and all damage.
(Ord. 2002-15, passed 8-20-2002) Penalty, see § 32.999