(a) Power to regulate.--
(1) Council may, by ordinance, regulate the manner and method, if any, for the planting, trimming, removing, maintaining and protection of shade trees in, on and along or extending over the public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way of the city and provide for penalties for violations.
(2) The cost of the activities under paragraph (1) may, at council's discretion, be assessed against the owners of the properties abutting the street, sidewalk or right-of-way upon which any tree is located pursuant to Chapter 145A (relating to assessments for public improvements), except that the cost and expense of caring for trees after they have been planted shall be paid by the city.
(b) Shade tree commission.--
(1) Council may, by ordinance, provide for the creation of a shade tree commission and its composition, powers and duties and delegate council's authority for regulating shade trees to the commission.
(2) In lieu of an ordinance under paragraph (1), council may delegate its regulatory powers for shade trees to an existing department.
(3) If a shade tree commission is established, its meeting shall be subject to the provisions of 65 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 (relating to open meetings).