(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to top any tree on public property. Topping is defined as the systematic cutting back of limbs from the tree's crown to such a degree as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree.

    (b) This section shall not apply to trees which the city arborist or city forester has determined are severely damaged by storms, are located directly beneath utility lines or are in need of pruning and other pruning practices are impractical.

(Ord. No. 15457, § 1, 12-1-97)