(a) Payment--The owner of the real estate abutting the location of the planting, transplanting or removal of a shade tree shall pay the cost of:
(1) the work;
(2) necessary and suitable guards, curbing or grading for protection of the shade trees; and
(3) replacing pavement or sidewalk necessarily disturbed in the execution of the work.
(b) Assessment.--
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), if the township undertakes work under subsection (a), costs shall be assessed in accordance with Chapter 63 (relating to assessments for public improvements).
(2) If the benefit conferred method of assessment is used, the benefit conferred may not exceed actual cost.