This work consists of side trimming of the tree branches that are encroaching or are a threat to encroach from the sides of the R/W onto the travel ways. The work may range from the systematic pruning of every tree along the R/W to the selective pruning of individual trees which encroach. All tree branches encroaching on the travel ways will be removed to the vertical line of the specified R/W limits or as directed by the Engineer. Side trimming will be performed from the lowest branches to a height of at least thirty (30) feet from grade level along the vertical line of the R/W trees or at the Engineer’s discretion. Branches shall never be removed in a manner to create an unbalanced canopy, where one side has many more branches than the other, nor shall all the branches be removed on one side of any tree. No more than 25% of the total leaf bearing crown shall be removed from any tree. No more than 25% of the branches on any one side of a tree shall be removed. This may require selected trees outside the vertical line of the R/W trees to be removed completely.
