When homeowners contact Discount Tree Service about tree removal in Broward County, one of the most critical questions we address involves the minimum landscape requirements that apply to their property. Many property owners discover—sometimes only after receiving a violation notice—that their municipality requires specific tree coverage, canopy percentages, or minimum tree counts on residential properties.
If you’re a homeowner in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, or any other Broward County city, understanding these landscape requirements can save you from substantial fines while helping you maintain a beautiful, compliant property. Our team at Discount Tree Service has helped countless property owners navigate the complex code of ordinances governing trees across Broward County during our 25+ years serving the area.
Why Broward County Has Minimum Tree Requirements
Broward County and its municipalities didn’t implement minimum landscape requirements arbitrarily. The tree preservation and protection ordinances serve multiple critical purposes that benefit both individual property owners and the broader community.
Environmental Benefits and Urban Canopy Goals: Trees provide essential ecosystem services including stormwater absorption (crucial in flood-prone South Florida), air quality improvement, and urban heat island reduction. The tree canopy of Broward County plays a vital role in landscaping for protection of water quality and quantity. A mature tree canopy can significantly lower ambient temperatures during summer months while simultaneously filtering pollutants and managing stormwater runoff according to principles of the Florida-friendly landscaping program.
Property Value Protection: Studies consistently show that residential properties with mature, well-maintained trees command higher values than comparable properties without adequate tree coverage. Your municipality’s minimum tree requirements actually protect your investment while enhancing neighborhood character.
Hurricane Preparedness and Storm Resilience: Contrary to common misconceptions, properly selected and maintained trees can provide windbreak protection for structures. Native species with deep root systems and flexible wood actually reduce wind damage when strategically placed, though improper tree species or poor tree maintenance can increase risks.
Quality of Life Enhancement: The landscape area devoted to trees reduces noise pollution, provides wildlife habitat, creates shade that reduces cooling costs, and establishes the distinctive neighborhood character that makes Broward County communities desirable places to live.
Understanding that these landscape requirements serve your interests—not just bureaucratic purposes—makes compliance feel less burdensome and more like smart property stewardship.
Understanding Countywide vs. Municipal Tree Standards
Navigating Broward County tree regulations requires understanding a two-tier system where both county and municipal requirements may apply to your residential property.
Broward County Baseline Standards: The county establishes minimum landscape and buffering standards that apply countywide, focusing primarily on tree protection during development and construction activities. These baseline requirements address tree removal permitting for certain protected species and tree size thresholds, plus basic landscape buffer requirements between different land uses.
Municipal Enhancement Requirements: Individual cities within Broward County frequently implement their own, more stringent code requirements. Fort Lauderdale’s tree ordinance differs from Hollywood’s tree preservation standards, which differ from Pembroke Pines’ landscape regulations, and so on. Your specific municipality determines the actual minimum tree standards you must meet on residential properties.
Why This Dual System Exists: Florida’s home rule provisions allow municipalities to establish local tree regulations that exceed county minimums. Cities tailor landscape requirements to their specific character, development patterns, environmental goals, and community priorities. Some municipalities focus on minimum tree counts, while others emphasize canopy coverage percentages or specific landscape area allocations.
Practical Implication for Homeowners: Always verify tree requirements with your specific city’s urban forestry or code enforcement department, not just Broward County. The stricter standard always applies. When requirements conflict or overlap, you must meet the requirements set forth by whichever jurisdiction imposes the higher standard.
Minimum Tree Count Requirements by Lot Size
Most Broward County municipalities base residential tree requirements on lot size, though specific thresholds and calculation methods vary significantly by city. Understanding how these minimum landscape standards apply to your property size is essential for compliance.
Small Lots (Under 7,500 Square Feet)
Typical Requirements: Properties shall have a minimum number of trees as specified by your municipality, typically ranging from two to several trees depending on local ordinances
Common Species Credits: Some cities allow larger specimen trees or specific native species to count as multiple trees toward the minimum tree requirements
Practical Considerations: On smaller lots, strategic tree species selection becomes critical to meet requirements without overwhelming the limited landscape area available
Medium Lots (7,500 – 20,000 Square Feet)
Typical Requirements: Properties shall have a minimum number of trees, with some municipalities calculating requirements based on total lot square footage
Spacing Standards: Many tree ordinances specify minimum distances between required shade tree plantings to ensure distributed canopy coverage across the landscape area
Replacement Requirements: When removing protected trees, replacement requirements often increase on lots in this category, with specific standards developed for different tree size classes
Large Lots (Over 20,000 Square Feet)
Typical Requirements: Minimum tree counts often calculated as a ratio based on total lot area
Enhanced Landscape Standards: Some municipalities require a mix of canopy trees and understory specimens, with minimum native species requirements ensuring ecological diversity
Estate Property Considerations: Properties over one acre may face agricultural or rural residential standards with different calculation methods and required landscape elements
Municipality-Specific Variations
Each Broward County municipality maintains its own specific minimum tree requirements. The following cities have established tree ordinances that may differ substantially from one another:
Fort Lauderdale: Requires minimum trees based on lot size with canopy species specifications; one tree shall be planted as street tree where applicable
Hollywood: Minimum tree requirements with native species preferences for tree preservation compliance; minimum percentage of native species may be required
Pembroke Pines: Minimum trees for residential properties; one tree shall be planted as street-facing specimen; additional interior landscaping requirements apply
Pompano Beach: Requirements vary by zoning district; landscape buffer requirements apply near property lines
Boca Raton: Comprehensive tree preservation ordinance with specific requirements based on lot size; Tree Trust Fund allows fee-in-lieu of tree replacement option
Coral Springs: Minimum tree requirements with protected native species counted towards the minimum native species requirements at enhanced value
Note: These represent general frameworks. Always verify current requirements with your specific municipality, as the code of ordinances changes periodically and interpretation of the required minimum standards may vary.
Canopy Coverage Calculations and Landscape Area Requirements
Some municipalities measure tree requirements not by simple tree count but by percentage of canopy coverage or dedicated landscape area—a more complex but potentially more flexible standard that considers the actual environmental contribution of your trees.
How Coverage Is Measured
Mature Tree Canopy Method: Calculations based on the projected canopy diameter when trees reach maturity (typically measured at 10-15 years), not current tree size. A newly planted oak with a small current spread might be credited with its full mature canopy coverage, allowing the tree to meet requirements despite current small size.
Species-Specific Factors: Different tree species receive different coverage credits based on documented mature canopy spread. A live oak with its expansive mature spread receives substantially more credit toward minimum landscape coverage than a smaller ornamental tree, though both count as one tree for tree count purposes.
Current vs. Projected Canopy: Some cities assess existing mature trees at current canopy size but require new tree plantings to be calculated at mature size, creating different standards for established versus developing properties. This approach recognizes that mature tree canopies provide immediate environmental benefits.
Percentage Requirements by Municipality
High-Density Urban Areas: Typically require a percentage of landscape area devoted to tree canopy coverage
Suburban Residential Districts: Typically require a higher percentage of canopy coverage of total lot area
Low-Density/Rural Residential: May require the highest percentage of canopy coverage to maintain rural character and tree preservation objectives
Specific percentage requirements vary by municipality and should be verified with your local urban forestry department.
Understanding Landscape Coverage Calculations
For any given lot, canopy coverage calculations typically involve:
- Total lot square footage
- Required percentage of canopy coverage per local ordinance
- Existing mature tree canopy measurements
- Projected mature canopy for new plantings
- Species-specific canopy spread data
Understanding these canopy calculations helps you make informed decisions about which trees to preserve, which require professional tree removal, and what new tree installation requirements apply to maintain compliance with minimum landscape standards.
Protected Species That Count Toward Requirements
Broward County municipalities provide enhanced credit for trees that offer exceptional environmental, historical, or aesthetic value. Understanding how different tree species count toward your minimum tree requirements can significantly impact your compliance strategy and landscape planning.
Native Species Preferences and Credits
Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana): Often receive enhanced credit due to exceptional hurricane resistance, longevity, and large mature tree canopy. These shade tree specimens provide maximum environmental benefit.
Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba): Native species frequently receiving preferential treatment in landscape permit calculations and counted towards the minimum native species requirements at enhanced value.
Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni): Protected native often receiving enhanced credit toward minimum tree requirements due to its status as a threatened species and exceptional shade tree characteristics.
Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto): Florida’s state tree typically receives native species credit, though palm tree species generally provide less canopy coverage than broadleaf shade tree specimens.
Heritage Tree Designations and Protection
Tree Size Thresholds: Trees exceeding specific diameter measurements may qualify for heritage status under tree preservation ordinances. Thresholds vary by municipality but typically involve larger diameter hardwoods or taller palm tree species.
Special Protections Under Code: Heritage trees often cannot be removed without extraordinary justification and may require special approval processes. The tree preservation and abuse ordinance in some municipalities makes unauthorized removal of heritage specimens a serious violation.
Enhanced Landscape Credits: A single heritage specimen might satisfy a substantial portion of lot minimum tree requirements in some jurisdictions, recognizing the disproportionate environmental and aesthetic value of these mature tree canopies.
Species-Specific Valuation in Landscape Requirements
Different municipalities maintain approved tree lists with assigned values for landscape permit purposes:
High-Value Tree Species: Native hardwoods, long-lived specimens, hurricane-resistant varieties that contribute to the tree canopy of Broward County’s resilience goals.
Standard-Value Species: Common landscape trees meeting basic requirements for shade tree function and canopy coverage.
Low/No-Value Species: Invasive tree species (ficus, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper) typically receive no credit toward minimum landscape requirements and may actually require removal under tree protection ordinances. Some municipalities prohibit these species entirely, and they shall not be construed to permit planting on residential properties.
Check your municipality’s specific approved tree list—planting tree species not on the approved list may not count toward minimum tree requirements, wasting your investment and potentially requiring replacement with compliant species.
Replacement Obligations When Tree Removal Becomes Necessary
When you need professional tree removal—whether for safety, disease, property development, or other valid reasons—understanding replacement requirements prevents violations of the tree preservation ordinance and ensures continued compliance with minimum landscape standards.
Standard Replacement Requirements
Protected Tree Removal: Typically requires replacement at ratios specified by your municipality (removing one protected tree requires planting multiple new trees). The specific ratio depends on the removed tree size, species, and condition.
Non-Protected Removal: May still require replacement to maintain minimum property tree requirements, even when the tree removal doesn’t require a landscape permit.
Emergency Removals: Hazardous trees posing immediate danger often have reduced replacement requirements under emergency tree service provisions, but still require proper documentation and subsequent compliance verification.
Size and Quality Standards for Replacement Trees
Municipalities don’t just specify quantity in replacement requirements—they mandate minimum tree size standards to ensure new plantings provide meaningful canopy contribution:
Typical Standards: Replacement trees shall be a minimum caliper (trunk diameter measured at a specified height above ground) for shade tree specimens. Specific minimum sizes vary by municipality.
Alternative Size Options: Some ordinances allow smaller caliper trees if planting additional quantity, recognizing cost considerations while maintaining total landscape value.
Container Size Minimums for Palms: Palm tree replacement typically specified by container size or minimum clear trunk height, with standards varying by municipality.
Timeline for Compliance After Tree Removal
Standard Installation Requirements: Replacement trees shall be installed within a specified timeframe after tree removal completion, with deadlines stated in the landscape permit or local ordinance.
Seasonal Considerations: Some municipalities extend deadlines if removal occurs during inappropriate tree planting seasons (summer heat in South Florida), recognizing proper tree care timing.
Inspection Requirements: Many cities require inspection and approval of replacement tree planting before closing landscape permits, verifying that new tree installation requirements were properly met.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to install required replacement trees can result in fines accumulating until compliance, plus potential property liens affecting future sales.
Mitigation Alternatives to On-Site Planting
Some municipalities allow alternatives when property constraints prevent meeting standard replacement requirements:
Off-Site Mitigation Programs: Contributing to municipal tree planting programs, allowing your replacement obligation to enhance public landscape areas.
Fee-in-Lieu of Tree Replacement: Paying into city tree funds when property cannot physically accommodate required replacement planting. Fees vary by municipality and should be verified with your local urban forestry department.
Enhanced Replacement Options: Planting fewer trees of higher value/larger tree size than minimum requirements, providing equivalent or greater landscape benefit with reduced quantity.
Always explore these alternatives with your municipal forester before assuming you must accommodate all replacement requirements on your property, particularly for small lots with limited landscape area.
Permitting Processes for Compliance Verification
Understanding the landscape permit application process and tree removal permitting requirements helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures proper compliance with Broward County’s tree ordinance standards.
When Landscape Permits Are Required
Tree Removal Permits: Most municipalities require permits for removing trees above certain sizes. Protected tree thresholds vary by municipality but commonly include larger diameter hardwoods and taller palm tree species. Some cities require permits for any tree removal on residential properties.
New Construction and Development: Building permits trigger comprehensive tree survey requirements and landscape compliance verification before approval.
Major Renovations: Additions or substantial improvements often require updated tree compliance assessments and landscape permit applications demonstrating continued adherence to minimum tree standards.
Lot Clearing Activities: Any clearing beyond individual tree removal typically requires land clearing permits with detailed landscape restoration plans.
Documentation Needed for Permit Application
Professional Tree Survey: Survey showing all existing trees with species identification, sizes, locations, and condition assessments. This tree survey forms the basis for compliance calculations.
Compliance Calculation: Demonstration that property currently meets minimum requirements or detailed explanation of how it will after proposed work, including canopy coverage calculations and landscape area measurements.
Replacement Plan: Detailed plan showing species, sizes, locations of replacement trees, ensuring compliance with the following standards for spacing, setbacks, and species diversity.
Arborist Reports: For removals, professional documentation of hazard conditions, disease presence, or structural defects justifying removal under tree protection ordinances.
Inspection Procedures and Compliance Verification
Pre-Removal Inspection: Some cities inspect before issuing tree removal permits to verify reported conditions and ensure removal is justified under applicable standards.
During Construction Monitoring: Periodic inspections ensure protected trees aren’t damaged during work, with tree root protection zones properly maintained.
Final Inspection: Verification that required replacement trees were installed per approved plans, meeting all new tree installation requirements before issuing certificate of completion.
Working with Professional Tree Service Providers
Licensed arborists familiar with local tree regulations can:
- Prepare compliant tree surveys and landscape plans
- Navigate landscape permit application processes efficiently
- Provide required documentation meeting municipal standards
- Represent you in variance hearings if needed
- Ensure proper tree care during all phases
At Discount Tree Service, we’ve helped hundreds of Broward County homeowners through the permitting process. Our 25+ years of local experience means we know exactly what each municipality requires for landscape permit compliance and can help you avoid common application mistakes that cause delays.
Native Tree Programs and Resources
Meeting minimum tree requirements doesn’t have to be expensive. Many municipalities offer programs specifically designed to help homeowners comply with landscape requirements while enhancing Broward County’s urban tree canopy.
Free and Discounted Tree Programs
Fort Lauderdale: Annual tree giveaway events distributing native tree specimens to residents, focusing on species that meet minimum landscape requirements.
Broward County Extension: Periodic native tree sales at reduced prices, plus educational programs on proper tree planting and tree care aligned with Florida yards and neighborhoods program principles.
City-Specific Programs: Many municipalities offer vouchers or rebates for planting approved native species that count toward minimum tree requirements, with some providing professional tree planting assistance.
How to Access Programs: Contact your city’s parks department or urban forestry division for current program schedules and eligibility requirements for native species requirements and Florida-friendly landscaping initiatives.
Recommended Species for Compliance
Best Hurricane-Resistant Natives (providing maximum landscape value):
- Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) – exceptional shade tree
- Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) – wind-resistant native
- Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) – protected native species
- Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto) – Florida’s state tree
- Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) – smaller native option
Fast-Growing Compliance Options:
- Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) – rapid canopy development
- Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – adaptable native
- Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) – moderate growth rate
Small Property Solutions (meeting minimum requirements on limited landscape area):
- Pigeon Plum (Coccoloba diversifolia) – compact native
- Stoppers (various Eugenia species) – versatile small trees
- Smaller palm tree varieties – vertical growth pattern
Where to Source Quality Tree Specimens
Certified Native Nurseries: Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN) members guarantee genetic provenance and proper tree species for South Florida conditions.
Municipal Programs: Often the most affordable source for common native species meeting minimum native species requirements.
Reputable Local Nurseries: Established nurseries understand local growing conditions, soil types, and can advise on proper tree selection for your specific landscape area.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Trees from big-box stores often aren’t adapted to South Florida conditions, may not be on approved tree lists, and frequently fail to establish properly, requiring costly replacement.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Not every situation requires strict adherence to standard minimum tree requirements. Understanding available exemptions can provide relief when legitimate hardships exist.
Hazardous Tree Exemptions
Immediate Danger Situations: Trees posing imminent threat to structures or persons typically can be removed with modified replacement requirements, though proper emergency tree service documentation is essential.
Required Documentation: Professional arborist report documenting specific hazard conditions, structural defects, disease progression, or imminent failure risk.
Photographic Evidence: Before-and-after photos showing the dangerous tree condition and proper tree removal execution.
Reduced Obligations: Many cities waive or substantially reduce replacement requirements for documented hazards, recognizing that tree protection must balance with public safety.
Hardship Variance Procedures
Financial Hardship: Demonstrated inability to afford required compliance with minimum landscape standards, supported by appropriate documentation.
Physical Impossibility: Property constraints making compliance genuinely impossible (insufficient landscape area, utility conflicts, water bodies, existing structures, etc.).
Undue Burden: Situations where strict compliance creates unreasonable burden relative to benefit, considering lot-specific circumstances.
Variance Application Process:
- Submit variance application with supporting documentation
- Pay required application fee (varies by municipality)
- Present case to variance board or city commission
- Await decision (processing times vary by municipality)
Success Factors: Professional documentation, demonstrated good-faith compliance efforts, reasonable alternative proposals that partially meet landscape requirements.
Construction and Development Exceptions
Grandfather Clauses: Residential properties developed before current tree ordinances may have reduced requirements or exemptions from certain landscape standards.
Phased Compliance: New developments may be allowed to meet minimum tree requirements over time as new tree plantings mature and establish proper canopy coverage.
Alternative Compliance Methods: Enhanced landscaping beyond minimum requirements in some areas, preservation of exceptional specimens, or off-site mitigation for unavoidable impacts.
Practical Advice for Homeowners
Before assuming you need an exemption or variance:
- Consult with professional tree service providers to explore creative compliance solutions
- Review your municipality’s approved tree list for flexible planting options
- Consider whether small property modifications could accommodate minimum landscape requirements
- Explore phased compliance approaches that spread costs over time
Variances should be last resorts after exhausting compliant alternatives, as the application process is time-consuming and approval isn’t guaranteed.
Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Understanding the consequences of violating tree preservation ordinances and minimum landscape requirements emphasizes the importance of proper compliance.
Violation Fine Structures
Initial Violations: Municipalities assess fines for first offenses, with amounts varying by jurisdiction and severity of the violation.
Repeat Violations: Escalating fines for subsequent violations of the same tree ordinance provisions, with penalties increasing for continued non-compliance.
Daily Fines for Continuing Violations: Some municipalities assess daily fines for continuing violations of minimum tree requirements until compliance is achieved.
Illegal Tree Removal Penalties: Removing protected trees without proper landscape permits can result in substantial fines per tree, plus mandatory replacement at enhanced ratios.
Real-World Consequences
Code Enforcement Liens: Unpaid fines can result in liens against your residential property, affecting marketability and financing.
Title Issues: Liens must be satisfied before property sale can close, potentially derailing transactions.
Foreclosure Risk: In extreme cases of prolonged non-compliance with tree ordinance requirements, municipalities can foreclose on accumulated liens.
Permitting Holds: Outstanding violations prevent issuance of other permits for property improvements, blocking renovation or addition projects.
Impact Beyond Financial Penalties
Beyond fines, tree ordinance violations can:
- Delay property sales due to title issues and required compliance
- Reduce property values when disclosure requirements reveal violations
- Damage neighborhood relations and community standing
- Create insurance complications for future tree damage claims
- Result in mandatory restoration at substantially higher cost than proactive compliance
Prevention Is Cheaper: Even expensive professional tree planting to meet requirements costs substantially less than violation penalties plus forced compliance under code enforcement pressure.
Contact your municipality’s code enforcement or urban forestry department for specific fine schedules and penalty structures applicable to your jurisdiction.
Municipality-by-Municipality Quick Reference
Fort Lauderdale Minimum Tree Requirements
Minimum Trees: Based on lot size with specific requirements for different property sizes
Canopy Requirements: Minimum number of canopy trees (reaching specified mature height) required
Protected Trees: Specific diameter thresholds for hardwoods and height requirements for palm tree species
Removal Permits: Required for all protected trees; contact Urban Forestry Division for current permit application fees
Replacement Ratio: Varies based on tree size, species, and whether removal was permitted
Heritage Trees: Larger diameter specimens require special approval processes
Special Landscape Requirements: One tree shall be planted as street tree on properties without existing street trees; minimum landscape area requirements apply
Contact: Urban Forestry Division – (954) 828-5785
Resources: City of Fort Lauderdale Urban Forestry
Hollywood Tree Requirements
Minimum Trees: Requirements based on lot size categories
Native Preference: Minimum percentage of required trees must be native species under tree preservation standards
Protected Trees: Specific size thresholds for hardwoods and palm tree species
Removal Permits: Required for protected trees; contact Community Enhancement Division for permit application fees
Replacement Ratio: Varies by tree type; enhanced ratios for native species and heritage specimens
Special Provisions: Waterfront properties have enhanced landscape requirements; additional interior landscaping standards apply
Contact: Community Enhancement Division – (954) 921-3404
Resources: Hollywood Tree Ordinance Information
Pembroke Pines Tree Requirements
Minimum Trees: Specific requirements for typical residential properties based on lot size
Street Tree Requirement: One tree shall be planted as street-facing specimen for properties without existing street trees
Protected Trees: Size thresholds for hardwoods and palm tree species
Removal Permits: Required for trees above specified sizes; contact Community Development for permit application fees
Replacement Ratio: Varies for protected trees with enhanced ratios for larger specimens
HOA Considerations: Must comply with both city minimum tree requirements and HOA landscape standards (stricter standard applies)
Contact: Community Development Department – (954) 392-2100
Pompano Beach Tree Requirements
Minimum Trees: Varies by zoning district; typical requirements for single family and duplex residential dwellings
Canopy Coverage Option: Some districts require percentage of landscape area coverage instead of tree count
Protected Trees: Specific size thresholds for hardwoods and palm tree species
Removal Permits: Required for protected trees; contact Development Services for permit application fees
Replacement Ratio: Standard ratio with enhanced requirements for heritage trees
Coastal Considerations: Enhanced landscape requirements for properties in coastal high-hazard areas near water bodies
Contact: Development Services – (954) 786-4660
Boca Raton Tree Requirements
Minimum Trees: Specific requirements for lots based on size with additional requirements for larger properties
Strict Standards: One of Broward County’s most comprehensive tree preservation ordinances
Protected Trees: Size thresholds for hardwoods and palm tree species
Removal Permits: Required for virtually all tree removal; contact Environmental Services for permit application fees
Replacement Ratio: Varies for protected trees with enhanced ratios for heritage trees; specific standards developed for different size classes
Heritage Trees: Larger diameter specimens require special review process with enhanced protection
Notable: Tree Trust Fund allows fee-in-lieu of tree replacement option; contact Environmental Services for current fee structure
Contact: Environmental Services – (561) 393-7807
Resources: Boca Raton Tree Preservation Ordinance
Other Service Area Municipalities
Coral Springs: Minimum tree requirements with protected native species counted towards the minimum native species requirements at enhanced value; strict tree preservation standards; (954) 344-1111
Plantation: Requirements vary by lot size; comprehensive tree preservation and abuse ordinance; minimum landscape and buffering standards by lot size; (954) 452-2540
Sunrise: Tree requirements depending on lot size and zoning; landscape buffer requirements apply; (954) 746-3400
Davie: Rural character preservation emphasis; larger specimen requirements; minimum tree standards reflect agricultural heritage; (954) 797-1103
Weston: Strict HOA and municipal landscape standards; pre-approval required for tree removal; comprehensive landscape permit requirements; (954) 385-2000
Conclusion & Next Steps
Broward County’s minimum tree requirements exist to protect property values, environmental quality, community character, and the protection of water quality and quantity throughout the region. While regulations can seem complex, understanding your specific municipality’s landscape standards and working with qualified professional tree service providers makes compliance straightforward.
Key Compliance Points
✓ Verify your specific municipality’s current minimum tree requirements—don’t assume based on neighboring cities
✓ Conduct property tree survey assessments before planning tree removal or construction
✓ Obtain required landscape permits before any tree work to avoid substantial penalties
✓ Choose native, hurricane-resistant tree species when planting to maximize landscape value
✓ Install required replacement trees within specified timelines to avoid penalties
✓ Maintain documentation of compliance for future reference and property sales
Professional Tree Assessment Recommendations
If you’re uncertain about your property’s compliance status with minimum landscape requirements, a professional tree assessment provides:
- Accurate tree inventory with species identification and size documentation
- Compliance calculation based on current code of ordinances provisions
- Recommendations for achieving or maintaining compliance with minimum tree standards
- Guidance on landscape permit requirements for planned work
- Documentation for your records demonstrating good-faith compliance efforts
At Discount Tree Service, our certified arborists have helped hundreds of Broward County homeowners navigate these complex tree regulations over our 25+ years serving the area. We understand the specific requirements of every municipality we serve and can provide comprehensive tree care services including:
- Free compliance assessments evaluating your property against minimum tree requirements
- Landscape permit application assistance and documentation preparation
- Professional tree surveys meeting municipal standards
- Native species recommendations from approved tree lists
- Installation of replacement trees meeting all size and quality standards
- Ongoing tree maintenance to preserve compliance and tree health
- Expert tree pruning to maintain proper tree structure and health
- Professional guidance on proper tree planting techniques
Ready to Ensure Your Property Complies?
Don’t wait for a violation notice. Contact our family-owned team today for a free property assessment and expert guidance on meeting your municipality’s minimum tree requirements.
Call us at (954) 289-2150 for a free consultation.
We serve Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and all Broward County communities with the expertise and local knowledge you need to maintain a beautiful landscape that meets all applicable tree preservation and landscape requirements.
