TREE TRIMMING: 5.1.1 All trees will be trimmed by the lateral (“Natural,” “Drop-Crotching”) method. All limbs will be trimmed to a main stem, or lateral, which extends away from the line. When side trimming, all cuts will be made to just in front of the branch collar of a parent stem, all overhanging limbs removed, and tops of trees floated back away from the line. 5.1.2 The natural symmetry and beauty of the trees that are trimmed shall be considered. No stubs will be permitted. 5.1.3 In trimming, all cuts shall be made flush to laterals that are at least one-third the size of the leader limb. 5.1.4 Branches or limbs growing generally vertically, when cut to obtain clearance or to direct growth horizontally, shall be cut flush with a laterally growing branch or limb. 5.1.5 Avoid stubbing limbs to prevent stimulating development of sucker clusters or limb stubs. 5.1.6 Tearing of bark shall be avoided. 5.1.7 Directional trimming will be used in order to discourage growth towards the conductor while permitting the tree to follow closely its normal growth habits. 5.1.8 Protruding lower limbs which may need trimming shall be cut back to the branch collar at the trunk of the tree, if possible. 5.1.9 All cuts shall be made so as to provide maximum protection to the tree and to insure proper healing of the wound. Only employees who have been given proper training in tree trimming and who are considered skilled and qualified shall be used for cutting and trimming work done off the ground. Common labor used as helpers in tree removal work shall be under the supervision of a skilled employee. 5.2 TREE REMOVAL: 5.2.1 All trees to be removed shall be cut as close to the ground as possible and a decaying accelerator applied to the remaining stump(s). If no decaying accelerator is available, Knox County’s designee may approve cross cuts in the wood to be used to aid in the decaying process. 5.2.2 Knox County may require the stump(s) to be removed or ground in some situations. Grinding of the stump(s) must be to a minimum depth of three (3) inches below grade. The successful contractor(s) will be instructed by the County when the stump(s) need to be removed or ground. 5.2.3 All trees to be removed shall be completely discarded from the site including all branches, twigs, leaves etc. The successful contractor(s) shall remove as much of the saw dust as possible. 5.2.4 Disposal will be done off the site by methods and locations approved by the county. The Contractor will pay for all disposal.
