As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
PARK TREES
Trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation in public parks
having individual names and all areas owned by the town or to which the public
has free access as a park.
STREET TREES
Trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation on land lying
between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues or public ways
within the town.
No species other than those permitted by the Town Commissioners may
be planted as street trees.
It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm or town
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 provision
at the determination of the President and Commissioners of Princess Anne.
The Town of Princess Anne shall have the right to cause the removal
of any dead or diseased trees on private property within the town when such
trees constitute a hazard to life and property or harbor insects or diseases
which constitute a potential threat to other trees within the town. The President
and Commissioners of Princess Anne will notify, in writing, the owners of
such trees. Removal shall be done by said owners at their own expense within
60 days after the date of service of notice. In the event of failure of owners
to comply with such provisions, the Town of Princess Anne shall have the authority
to remove such trees and charge the cost of removal on the owner's property
tax notice.
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.
A violation of this chapter shall be declared to be a municipal infraction and shall be subject to a penalty as provided in Chapter
1, General Provisions, §
1-8 of this Code.