Tree Cutting in Orlando, FL

The City of Orlando requires an application to remove trees 6 inches DBH or larger, and mature live oaks, bald cypress and southern magnolias are treated as heritage trees with additional requirements. For a decaying laurel oak at a single-family home, the state's documented-hazard exemption usually matters more than the city ordinance; it's explained on the Florida page.

Laurel oak: short-lived; decay and failure after 50–70 years Live oak: wind-resistant; often a heritage tree in Orlando Southern magnolia and bald cypress: long-lived natives; treated as heritage species by the city

Short-lived oaks planted decades ago are decaying and failing; they're the city's most common removals.

Ian (2022) and Milton (2024) caused widespread failures well inland through wind on saturated sand.

Central Florida is a lightning hot spot; struck trees may die slowly.

Lakefront lots and older neighborhoods have large oaks close to homes with limited equipment access. Newer suburban developments have more room but younger, sometimes poorly structured trees.