Storm Damage Tree Removal in Broward County, FL

Tree problems in Broward County, FL that call for storm damage cleanup

1. 1

   Broward's Tree Removal License

   The county's Tree Preservation Program enforces Chapter 27, Article XIV of the Broward County Code, the Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance. A Tree Removal License is required to remove or relocate any tree 3 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground, except nuisance species. Many municipalities in Broward administer their own tree programs; where they do, their permit generally replaces the county license, so check your city first.

2. 2

   Only hire a licensed Broward tree trimmer

   Broward requires every business or government agency that trims trees in the county to hold a Tree Trimmer License and to work under a certified arborist. That's a useful filter when hiring: ask for the license and the arborist's ISA number. Severe pruning that damages a tree can count as tree abuse under the ordinance, so a licensed company has a reason to prune properly.

3. 3

   Hurricane preparation in Broward

   Broward's coastal cities face hurricane winds, storm surge and saltwater, while western suburbs like Weston and Coral Springs have newer subdivisions with young trees. Thin dense crowns before June, remove coconuts and brown fronds from palms near houses, and have trees with lean, decay or included-bark forks assessed. Don't top trees or strip palms; both make them more likely to fail.

4. 4

   Nuisance trees and what's exempt

   Nuisance and invasive species are exempt from the county license, so removing them is generally easier. Common examples in South Florida include Brazilian pepper and melaleuca. Native and desirable shade trees, like live oak, gumbo limbo and mahogany, are what the ordinance protects.