It is unlawful to damage, abuse, destroy, or mutilate any tree located in any public rights-of-way area, or to attach or place any rope or wire (other than one used to support a tree), sign, poster, handbill, or other thing to or on any such tree, or to cause any wire charged with electricity to come in contact with any such tree, or to allow any gas, liquid or solid substance which is harmful to such trees to come into contact with their roots or leaves. Unlawful activities include heading, topping, removal of major limbs and other alteration which substantially impairs the structural integrity, health, aesthetic value or general usefulness of trees located within public right-of-way areas, and which is not consistent with the provisions under this title and city-adopted pruning guidelines.

The above provisions notwithstanding, trimming, pruning, and selective removal of branches and foliage from such trees for purposes of maintaining a safe and nondangerous condition for users of public streets and sidewalks, and for purposes of improving the health, structure, aesthetic value and general usefulness of the trees shall be permitted, provided such pruning is consistent with provisions under this title. (Ord. 1970 NCS § 3 (part), 1994.)