Palm Tree Removal in Hillsborough County, FL

Tree problems in Hillsborough County, FL that call for palm tree removal

1. 1

   Hurricane Milton and county debris

   Hurricane Milton in October 2024 left nearly 5 million cubic yards of debris countywide. In unincorporated areas, haulers worked nearly 900 miles of roads, and commissioners approved $60 million from the Disaster Recovery Fund to speed pickup. After a storm, separate vegetation from construction debris at the curb and follow county announcements.

2. 2

   County permits in unincorporated areas

   The county's Land Development Code governs tree removal in unincorporated Hillsborough County, which includes Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Lutz, Town 'n' Country and other communities outside Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. Depending on the tree and the property, removal may need a permit from the county's Natural Resources staff. The City of Tampa has its own, stricter rules.

3. 3

   Grand oaks and the pruning affidavit

   Under LDC §4.01.06, grand oaks are live oaks, laurel oaks, swamp chestnut oaks and other native oaks 34 inches DBH or larger. They can't be removed without administrative authorization, and replacement requirements apply. Pruning is regulated too: a certified arborist must complete a grand oak pruning affidavit and submit it to Natural Resources before trimming.