The governing body of any city, whenever it shall deem it necessary to construct boulevards, or to plant trees or sow grass seed thereon, or to trim trees or cut grass growing thereon, or to water or otherwise maintain or preserve any such improvement, shall give written notice to each owner and occupant of any lot or parcel of land adjoining the improvement deemed necessary requiring the person to make the improvement designated at the person’s own expense and subject to the approval of the street commissioner. The notice may be general as to the owners of the lots or parcels of land, but it shall be specific as to the description of the lands. The notice shall specify the improvement required to be made and the time within which the same shall be commenced or completed.