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The following words, terms, and phrases and their derivatives when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them except where the content clearly indicates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with context, words used in the present tense include the future and words in singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory. Abuse means any abnormal act causing the improper loss of root, stem or leaf tissue rendering the tree prone to decline and death.
Caliper means the diameter in inches of a tree as measured either at six (6) inches above ground level for trees up to four (4) inches in diameter or twelve (12) inches above ground level for trees over four (4) inches in diameter.
Canopy means the leaves and branches of the tree.
DBH means diameter at breast height as measured fifty-four (54) inches above ground level.
Drip-line means the edge of the canopy.
Habit of growth means the genetically inherited natural shape of the tree.
Public tree shall include all trees now or hereafter growing on any street, park, or any other public place.
Removal includes any act that will cause a tree to die within a three (3) year period.
Significant tree means any privately-owned tree which has been voluntarily nominated by its owner and accepted by the tree commission to be of such noteworthy interest or high value to the community because it is thirty (30) inches or greater in diameter as measured fifty-four (54) inches from ground level and/or because of its historical association that it shall be deemed to be in the custody of that community and its official assigns.
Topping means the harmful practice of cutting large upright branches between nodes, leaving large stubs.
Tree commission means the tree commission established by this tree ordinance.
Tree warden means the agent of the town appointed by the town council to enforce the regulations of the tree ordinance.
Urban forest means the collection of street, park and residential trees within town limits.
Warren Tree Administrative Guidelines means arboricultural standards, practices and protocols used to facilitate the management of public trees and significant trees and to implement provisions of this article.
(Ord. of 1-12-2016(2), § 18-7.3; Ord. of 12-8-2020; Ord. of 6-8-2021(1))