1. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Yes, a tree removal permit is required on private property when removing a tree which is in excess of 10 feet in height or if the trunk measures 3 inches diameter breast height (dbh) or greater. Exceptions include invasive exotic species such as Brazilian Pepper, Schefflera, Melaleuca and Australian Pine.
2. What is the cost to obtain a tree removal permit and what are the funds used for?
A tree removal permit costs $100 for the first four trees. Thereafter, the fee is $25 per tree. The funds are used to cover administrative costs associated with issuance
of the permit and the two site visits (pre- and post-removal) by the landscape inspector or urban forester to your property.
3. Do I need a permit if the tree I am taking down is an invasive or nuisance species?
No, unless removal of the invasive exotic species leaves the property with less than the required number of trees specified in the Town of Davie Code. In that case, a no-cost permit may be obtained but mitigation will be required.
4. Can I take the tree down myself or do I need to hire a professional tree service company?
Removing a tree is a potentially dangerous undertaking. Although, not required, the use of a licensed and insured tree removal company is strongly recommended.
5. Do I need to replace a tree if I remove it?
Yes, you must mitigate (replace) any caliper inches removed if the tree is a required site tree (per Town of Davie code) or if it is a specimen tree (trunk diameter > 18 inches diameter breast height) as determined by Planning and Zoning Division landscape staff.
6. Do I need a permit to relocate a tree?
Yes, a permit is required if the tree is in excess of 10 feet in height or if the trunk measures 3 inches diameter breast height or greater.
7. When building a single family home or addition to an existing home, do I need the
services of a landscape architect?
Yes, a landscape architect’s plan would be required in both situations so that an appropriate plan can be developed and reviewed by staff to verify that the plan meets code.
8. How many and what type of trees do I need for a single family homesite?
The tree and shrub requirements for a single family home vary depending upon the size of the lot. At least twenty-five percent of the total landscape plants (trees, shrubs and ground cover) must be natives. The required number of trees indicated below are expressed in terms of hardwood trees. Palms may be used to satisfy up to 25% of the tree requirement. However, because they contribute proportionately less canopy than hardwoods, three palms are generally counted as one hardwood tree. Exceptions include Canary Island date palm and Royal Palm which are valued the same as a hardwood species.
(a) For lots that are 8000 square feet in size (excluding house and paved areas), a minimum of three (3) trees is required: one (1) tree to be located in or adjacent to the swale area, the second tree in the front yard and the third tree located at the discretion of the developer.
(b) For lots larger than 8000 square feet, one (1) additional tree per three thousand (3000) square feet of lot area shall be provided. Two (2) of these trees are to be located in or adjacent to the swale area, one (1) tree located in the front yard and the remainder at the discretion of the developer.
(c) For corner lots, an additional one (1) tree for each forty (40) linear feet of street frontage is required on the side street.
9. What are the shrub, groundcover and sod requirements for a single family home?
Shrubs: for every liner foot of building frontage (excluding entries and garage openings), one (1) shrub per eighteen inches of building frontage is required.
Groundcover : ground cover is required at the same quantity as shrubs.
Sod: The complete site not dedicated to buildings, driveways, walkways or landscaping shall be sodded.
10. How close to my house or sidewalk can I plant a tree?
Hardwood trees should generally be no closer than 10’ from a building so that they do not damage the structure or require frequent, heavy pruning. Palms should be no closer than 8 feet from a building. When planting in the vicinity of sidewalks, driveways, patios and other hardscape, trees should be no closer than 5 feet away, preferably further.
11. How high can a hedge be maintained?
Hedges in residential areas should be maintained at no higher than 6 feet. Hedges in commercial and industrial areas should be maintained at no higher than 8 feet.
12. Can I prune a tree myself and are there any regulations regarding pruning?
A resident may prune his or her own trees so long as the trees are properly pruned in accordance with the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices, ANSI A300 – 2001, and are not abused (topped, hat-racked, flush cut, overlifted, etc.). Poor pruning practices damage trees and can create future hazardous conditions. As such, they are prohibited in Chapter 26 of the Town of Davie Code and in the Broward County Tree Preservations and Abuse Ordinance. If a resident or property owner hires a tree service, the business or individual must be insured and hold a current, valid Broward County Tree Trimmer’s License
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