Q: Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree or Palm?
A: Yes, a permit is required to remove or relocate any tree greater than four and one-half inches in diameter at breast height, including dead, prohibited, or undesirable species. While there is no fee for the removal of dead, prohibited, or undesirable species, a permit must still be obtained before proceeding.
Q: Do I need a permit to trim or remove mangroves?
A:Yes. Mangroves are protected under state law, and you must obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before trimming, altering, or removing them. The city cannot issue a tree removal permit for Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans), or White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) without a valid DEP mangrove permit. A copy of the state permit must be included with your city tree removal application.
Q:Do I need a permit to trim or prune trees?
A: No, the city does not require a permit for routine trimming or pruning. However, care should be taken to avoid causing any irreparable damage to trees. It is strongly recommended that you consult a certified arborist before trimming large branches or performing any work on Grand Trees to ensure proper techniques are used.
Find an Arborist here.
Q: Does the city have any root pruning guidelines?
A: No roots over 3 inches in diameter shall be cut. All roots must be severed clean at the protected root zone of protected and grand trees to prevent root damage. Root pruning must be performed with an approved cutting type of equipment, such as a chainsaw, hand saw, or other cutting equipment. Root pruning must be completed prior to any construction activities and inspected by the City arborist before requesting building permit inspections.
Q: What is a Grand tree in the city of Sarasota?
A: A tree is considered a grand tree if it is a Live Oak (Quercus virginia) or Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) that has a DBH measurement of 24 inches or greater; or is a Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii), Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) or Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) that has a DBH measurement of 20 inches or greater.
Q: Does the city have a recommended tree list for planting?
A: The following are recommended trees:
- Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)
- Bursera Simaruba (Gumbo Limbo)
- Chionanthus Virginicus (Fringe Tree)
- Clusia Rosea (Clusia (Pitch Apple - tree form)
- Coccoloba Diversifolia (Pigeon Plum)
- Coccoloba Uvifera (Sea Grape - tree form)
- Concarpus Erectus (Buttonwood - tree form)
- Cordia Spp (Geiger spp)
- Delonix Regia (Royal Poinciana)
- Eugenia Foetida (Spanish Stopper — tree form)
- Ilex Spp (Holly spp)
- Juniperus Virginiana (Southern Red Cedar)
- Lagerstroemia Indica (Crapemyrtle - tree form)
- Magnolia Spp (Magnolia)
- Magnolia Virginiana (Sweetbay magnolia)
- Myrcianthes Fragrans (Simpson Stopper - tree form)
- Pinus Elliotti (Slash Pine)
- Pinus Palustris (Long Leaf Pine)
- Platanus Occidentalis (Sycamore)
- Prunus Angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum)
- Prunus Umbellate (Flatwoods Plum)
- Quercus Geminata (Sand Live Oak)
- Quercus Virginiana (Live Oak)
- Sabal Palmetto (Cabbage Palm)
- Tabebuia Aurea (Silver Trumpet tree)
- Terminalia Buceras CV (Black Olive or Shady Lady)
- Ulmus Alata (Winged Elm)
Q: How do I report a tree violation?
A: You can submit a code compliance complaint online by visiting here or call the Code Compliance Division at (941) 263-6417.
Q: What actions are required once a tree permit has been issued?
A: A weather-proof, protected copy of the tree removal permit must be posted at the site proposed for the tree removal. The permit should be displayed on the site prior to the removal of any trees and remain on the site until the tree removal or construction work is completed. View a sample posting(PDF, 131KB).
Once the tree has been removed you will need to schedule an inspection. The Inspections Line hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; call 941-263-6418 or email Inspection@sarasotafl.gov.