Legal Documents of Sweetwater

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 so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. 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. Trees severely damaged by storms or related causes; certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this chapter. (Ord. #717, July 2000)