Tree Trimming: 1. Only trees within the city right-of-way shall be trimmed or removed unless directed by the Commissioner of Public Works. The right-of-way shall be defined as the area between the curb and the sidewalk. The contractor shall request the City's instruction on the right-of-way limits if no sidewalk exists. 2. Trees shall be pruned by removing all dead, diseased, broken, and crossing branches. Trimming shall be done by the "drop crotch" method. No stubs over one inch (1") shall be permitted when completed. Live branches shall be removed to maintain the natural shape and appearance of the trees. A collar should be maintained on lateral branches. Flush cuts are to be avoided on larger branches. 3. Mutilation and loss of characteristic shape of the tree shall be prohibited. Selective removal of complete limb(s) shall be performed rather than excessive clipping with pruners, i.e. hedge trimming effect shall be avoided. Saw or pruner cuts shall be flush with the parent limbs or trunk of the tree. Limbs shall be pre-cut using a three-cut technique to prevent splintering or peeling of bark.
