§ 53-22. Breaking or hurting trees, etc.

(a) In general.

If any person or persons shall willfully break, pull down, hurt, or destroy any tree or trees, or enclosure around the same, which are now or may hereafter be planted in any of the streets, lanes, or alleys of the City, or in any other public grounds within the City, such person or persons:

(1) shall be subject to a penalty as provided in § 53-26 of this subtitle; and

(2) may be required to replace any such tree or trees or enclosure around the same.

(b) Exception.

Provided always, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to prevent the Department of Recreation and Parks from removing any tree or trees, or part thereof, which he may deem so situated or in such condition as to render same unsafe or as to obstruct the footways or roadways.