Each town, city or borough may appropriate annually a suitable sum to be expended by the town tree warden, borough tree warden, city forester or other similar officer, in the planting, trimming, spraying, care and preservation of shrubs or ornamental or shade trees within the limits of any public highway or grounds under his control and, at the discretion of the tree warden or other similar officer and with the written consent of the owner thereof, upon land adjoining such highway or grounds, if not more than ten feet therefrom, for the purpose of shading or ornamenting such highway or grounds. All shrubs and trees planted under the provisions of this section shall be deemed public shrubs and trees and shall be under the care and control of the tree warden, city forester or other similar officer and may be removed only upon a written permit from him.