§ 176-13. Power to preserve or remove trees.

The Superintendent of Parks shall have the right to plant, trim, spray, preserve and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lands, lanes, squares and public grounds as may be necessary to ensure safety or preserve the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. The Superintendent of Parks, under the power here given, 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 or other public improvements or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. The Superintendent of Parks shall also have power to enter upon any private grounds in the City and to spray or otherwise treat, or cause or order to be sprayed or otherwise treated, any tree or shrub or plant infected or infested by any parasite or insect pest when it shall be necessary in his opinion so to do in order to prevent the spreading or scattering of any parasite or animal pest and to prevent danger therefrom to trees and shrubs planted in the public streets or other public places; and whenever in the opinion of such Superintendent of Parks the trimming, treatment or removal of any such tree or shrub located on private grounds shall be deemed wise, such Superintendent of Parks shall have power to trim, treat or remove any such tree or shrub or cause or order the same to be trimmed, treated or removed. The cost of the removal of a tree or trees by the Superintendent of Parks shall be a charge upon the real property on which such tree or trees shall be removed. Such cost shall be certified by the Superintendent of Parks to the City Treasurer and shall thereupon become and be a lien upon such property, shall be included in the next tax bill rendered to the owner or owners thereof unless paid before, and shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes against such property. Notice to remove under this section shall be served personally at least 10 days before such removal on the owner or agent of the property or abutting property, unless in the opinion of the Superintendent of Parks immediate removal shall be necessary for public safety.