(a) No heritage tree may be pruned, removed or damaged in any way unless an Urban Forester, a designated arborist or the Territorial Forester determines that there is an overriding need for public improvements or a severe hardship exists for reasonable use of a site.
(b) If an Urban Forester, the designated arborist or the Territorial Forester determines that a heritage tree needs to be pruned, removed, or is otherwise damaged, the Tree Board shall determine the appropriate means to address that need above and beyond that which is required for non-heritage trees. The Tree Board shall issue a written document specifying which tree, the action permitted, its location and the findings justifying the permission. Nothing in this section prevents the Tree Board from authorizing the removal of a heritage tree, if a certified arborist or the Urban Forester determines that the tree is dead, has become irreversibly diseased, irreversibly damaged by natural causes, or presents a hazard to the public. Pruning of any heritage tree must be conducted in accordance with Tree Board policies and procedures.