The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the three species size classes listed in section 1.12.041 of this article, and no trees may be planted closer together than the following, except in special plantings designed or approved by a landscape architect:
(1972 Code, sec. 22-24; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.03)
The distance trees may be planted from the curbs or curblines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the three species size classes listed in section 1.12.041 of this article, and no trees may be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following:
(1972 Code, sec. 22-25; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.04; Ordinance 3738 adopted 2/15/2005)
No street tree shall be planted closer than 35 feet to any street corner, measured from the point of the nearest intersecting curbs or curblines, except as recommended by the tree board in downtown areas, with approval by local and state street and highway agencies. No street tree shall be planted closer than ten feet to any fireplug.
(1972 Code, sec. 22-26; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.05; Ordinance 3738 adopted 2/15/2005)
No street trees other than those species listed as small trees in section 1.12.041 of this article may be planted under or within ten lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within five lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, transmission line or other utility.
(1972 Code, sec. 22-27; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.06)
The city shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants, and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. The city tree board may remove, or cause or order to be removed, any tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines, or other public improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. This section does not prohibit the planting of street trees by adjacent property owners, providing that the selection and location of the trees is in accordance with section 1.12.041.
(1972 Code, sec. 22-28; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.07)
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 tree's crown to such a degree 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 article at the determination of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
(1972 Code, sec. 22-29; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.08; Ordinance 5146 adopted 1/6/2026)
All stumps of street and park trees shall be removed below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground.
(1972 Code, sec. 22-32; Ordinance 332 adopted 7/3/1984; 1995 Code, sec. 98.11)