‘Sec. 3. 30-A MRSA §3283, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 and Pt. C, §106 and amended by PL 1989, c. 6; c. 9, §2; and c. 104, Pt. C, §§8 and 10, is further amended to read:
§ 3283. Removal of trees
Public shade trees may be planted, trimmed, cut down or removed by the owner of the land only with the consent of a municipal arborist, a tree warden or the conservation commission. Public shade trees may be trimmed, cut down or removed by a municipal arborist, tree warden or conservation commissioner only with the consent of the landowner.
1. Trimming, cutting or removal authorized. This section does not prevent the trimming, cutting or removal of public shade trees when the trimming, cutting or removal is ordered by proper authority to:
A. Lay out, alter or widen the location of highways;
B. Lessen the danger of travel on highways; or
C. Suppress tree pests or insects . ;
D. Remove dead or dying trees or branches;
E. Remove trees or branches that interfere with public works projects; or
F. Promote pedestrian safety on public walkways.
2. Municipal standards. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a municipality may adopt ordinances or standards governing the planting, trimming, cutting and removal of public shade trees and other vegetation within the limits of the rights-of-way of public highways except that the ordinances or standards may not include restrictions on utilities.’