1987-018 Council Ordinances - Laserfiche WebLink

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All oak trees within the City diagnosed as having Oak Wilt should be isolated from neighboring healthy trees of the same species by chemical or mechanical disruption of common root grafts, to prevent the root graft transmission of the Oak Wilt fungus. To control the overland spread of Oak Wilt, the pruning of oaks shall be avoided during the most susceptible months of May and June. If wounding is unavoidable during this period, as in the aftermath of a storm or when the tree interferes with utility lines, an asphalt -based tree wound dressing shall be applied immediately. Trees of the Red Oak group diagnosed as having Oak Wilt may be girdled as soon as they are detected in order to speed drying and reduce spore production. Girdling shall be done only in areas where a weakened tree will not constitute a hazard to life and/or property should it fall. Trees in- cluded in this group are commonly known as Red Oak, Pin Oak, Scarlet Oak, and Black Oak. To prevent Oak Wilt fungus spore production and control overland spread of this disease, any diseased material of the Red Oak group desired for use as fuel wood or to be salvaged for other purposes, must be debarked or else completely covered by heavy plastic (4 mil or greater) until July 1st. Any branch or other material of the Red Oak group not to be salvaged, shall be disposed of by burning, chipping, or removal to an authorized dump site. The City Forester shall advise accordingly. Stumps of trees of the Red Oak group removed due to Oak Wilt, shall be completely covered, removed, or debarked to the ground -line to eliminate all possibilities of spore formation and overland disease spread. Trees of the White Oak group (ie White Oak, Bur Oak) diagnosed as having Oak Wilt should be isolated by root graft disruption, as previously stated. Diseased material originating from such trees will not support spore formation and salvaged material therefore will not require special treatment to control overland disease spread. Standing trees of this group showing symptoms of minor Oak Wilt infection may have such infection sucessfully removed by selective pruning. The City Forester will advise accordingly. 902.06 Transporting Elm and Oak Wood Prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to transport within the City any bark -bearing elm or oak wood without having obtained a Permit from the City Forester. The City Forester shall grant such permits only when the purposes of this ordinance will be served thereof. 902.07 Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation who violates the conditions of this ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine of not to exceed $300.00 or imprisonment for 90 days. •