PINECREST: WE ARE A TREE CITY!
Dear Resident of Pinecrest,
Our tree canopy makes Pinecrest beautiful. We are entering what could be an unusually active hurricane season, and many of us trim trees in preparation.
We all want to keep our families safe. As I walk during this re-election campaign, Residents often ask what tree trimming is permissible. What are the rules?
KEY POINTS
Tree Pruning
A permit is required to trim or prune trees adjacent to US-1 or anywhere within the Village’s commercial zoning districts.
In residential areas, a permit is not required.
But Trees must be properly trimmed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Tree Care Standards to avoid fines.
Property owners will be required to replace the canopy lost by improper pruning.
Improper tree trimming - also known as hat racking - is when a tree has been flat-cut. - Hat Racking is not permitted under our Code. No more than one-fourth of a tree’s living canopy may be removed within a one-year period. It is best to hire a qualified and registered arborist or landscaper when trimming trees.
Exceptions
Invasive Trees
When removing invasive trees such as Bishop wood, Laurel Fig, Carrotwood, Brazilian Pepper, Mahoe, Schefflera, or Hong Kong Orchid, the Village does not charge a permit fee but requires inspection and confirmation of the invasive species by a Village arborist.
Replacement or mitigation may be required. Fill out a tree removal/relocation application, if you suspect a tree on your property is invasive. A complete list of exempt trees is included in the application.
Hazardous Trees
Hazardous trees may be removed without a permit from Pinecrest residential districts following an onsite assessment and submittal of documentation performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices – Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition -- by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a Florida licensed landscape architect.
Documentation must be signed by the certified arborist or licensed landscape architect.
“Tree Trimming 101” video (1.5 minutes, Public Works Department)
To learn about what is allowed or when a permit is needed, call Public Works at (305) 669-6916 or email at publicworks@pinecrestf-fl.gov. Public Works is here to help.
We are a Tree City and let’s keep it that way!
Committed to Our Community,
Vice Mayor Shannon del Prado