Tree Risk, Ethics, and State Exemptions

(Revised July 2022)

Cities throughout Florida have seen an increase of trees being removed due to the perception of risk and or concerns over an existing tree's health. Subsequently there have been concerns over unqualified individuals performing these assessments, and or those violating industry ethical standards. Like other professional assessments the determination of tree risk should only be handled by qualified/licensed individuals with relevant experience. In this case that would be by an  International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist with the TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). If you're concerned about a tree on your property these are the individuals you should be consulting with first before making a final decision. In many cases the tree defects observed are correctable and complete tree removal often isn't necessary. 

Regarding the State of Florida residential exemption for tree removals otherwise known as Sec. 163.045, recent changes took affect starting July 1st. These included revising the definition of residential property, documentation requiring a tree risk assessment be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist onsite, along with incorporating the ISA Risk Assessment BMP, and setting the qualification for the exemption being permissible if complete removal of the tree is the only way to reduce the level of risk below Moderate. The Florida Chapter of ISA has also composed a guideline to walk individuals through the process of determining if their tree(s) would qualify for removal under the State of Florida Exemption. The guideline is available here.

TRAQ Form Example

Insufficient Arborist Report Example

Regarding observed or suspected ethics violations (for example purposely submitting inaccurate or incomplete reports, falsifying information etc.) there is a policy in place for reporting violations directly to ISA available here. I've also included a link to an article authored by the Florida Chapter of ISA specifically addressing the "Ethics of Arboriculture".  

Ultimately, as an ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist with TRAQ qualification my goal remains to help educate others as to the values of using a properly credentialed tree professional and also provide information on how to report those who unethically abuse this privilege. 

Ethics of Arboriculture  

Find an Arborist

Hurricane Season Preparation and Your Trees

(Updated for June 2022)

How should I prune my palms and trees to reduce storm damage during and or in preparation for hurricane season in South Florida? Usually the #1 question asked now that hurricane season has arrived. Note that no tree or palm is immune to storm impacts, but with proper pruning the chances of a tree or palm failure can be reduced. 

Be wary of individuals or companies recommending poor tree pruning practices, or operating without proper credentials, equipment, training and insurance. Some examples of poor pruning are shown in the illustration below. 

Poor Pruning Practices

Such practices put tree(s) under stress, compromise the structure and/or artificially raise the trees’ center of gravity during a storm. When selecting an arborist, be sure to ask for a copy of the company’s general liability insurance, current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) credential, worker’s compensation insurance and to see the company’s Broward County Tree Trimmer License. Also ask for current work references. Quality companies should be more than happy to provide work references.  Companies that do not have insurance or are not registered as a Broward County Tree Trimmer should be actively avoided. 

It is recommended to have your trees inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist annually and, if no defects are found, pruning may be unnecessary. If your tree or palm requires pruning, proper tree pruning practices should be followed in accordance with local City code, ANSI A-300 (Part 1 latest edition) standards and good horticultural practices. It is important to note that all branches and debris should be properly disposed of after pruning because any debris left lying around can become airborne during a windstorm event.  

Proper Tree Pruning Practices

 
Palm Trimming

• Avoid removing any live fronds originating above the horizontal plane

Sabal palm trees; photo by thesix on Flickr

• Remove dead, dying, or diseased fronds
• Fruits and coconuts can also be removed 

Shade Tree Trimming 

• Pruning should emphasize branch reduction rather than removal for healthy trees
• Prune young trees every 3 to 4 years to produce strong branch structure; mature trees every 4-5 years
• Prune to produce/restore a single dominant trunk
• Remove dead, diseased, broken and cross branches
• Correct unbalanced tree canopies by pruning long branches back to lateral branches
• Remove, or reduce the weight on branches with included bark (i.e., bark trapped in the tight angle between two branches growing closely together).
  
  

  

Steps for a proper tree pruning cut

Do not attempt to prune trees or palms adjacent to overhead utility lines by yourself. Contact FPL or utilize an ISA certified arborist qualified to perform utility line clearance pruning.

It is generally too late to prune your trees once a storm is on its way, so contact an ISA Certified Arborist and or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist well in advance of hurricane season. For additional information concerning proper palm and tree care please visit the following websites: 

https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees

http://www.davey.com/arborist-advice/articles/proper-tree-pruning/

https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/stormy.shtml

Florida Native Christmas Trees

The holidays are upon us and for most a real Christmas tree immediately comes to mind as a must have staple. Did you know that rather then buying an out of state harvested tree, that you can obtain a Florida grown native Christmas tree? Indeed there are multiple options to either harvest your own tree from an actual Florida Christmas tree farm or purchase a potted Florida native tree to decorate and then replant in your yard. Some potential species available include: Southern Red Cedar, Longleaf Pine, Dahoon Holly, Leyland Cypress, and Slash Pine. These trees have the added benefits of being acclimated to our local environment without the problems inherent to out of state trees.  Additional information and photographs of potential Florida Christmas Tree Natives are available below:

Southern Red Cedar

Dahoon Holly

Longleaf Pine

Leyland Cypress

Slash Pine

• Christmas Tree Farms in Florida - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)
• Florida Christmas Tree Association (flchristmastrees.com)
• Living Christmas Trees - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (ufl.edu)

King Tides and Your Trees

(Revised for November 2021) Trees face many challenges to their continued growth and survival including pressure from overdevelopment, climate change, exotic pests/diseases, storms etc. In much of South Florida, trees face the added challenge of exposure to salt water during King Tide events, which typically occur between August and November of each year. King Tides are the highest tides of the year and can cause saltwater flooding of low-lying areas. Their occurrence corresponds to specific phases of the moon and can be exacerbated by other factors, such as storms.

Increased saltwater flooding can cause tree impacts including premature leaf drop, leaf burn, tree instability and, in some cases, complete death of the exposed tree. To combat the effects of King Tides on trees, the following are highly recommended for trees in locations vulnerable to tidal flooding:

• Planting of Florida native salt tolerant trees (i.e., Orange Geiger, Gumbo Limbo, Silver and Green Buttonwood, Southern Red Cedar);
• Utilization of planting methods such as Mounded Planting which elevates the tree's roots above grade and reduces saltwater exposure (reference image below); and
• Implementation of a tree maintenance plan that includes proper watering, pruning and fertilization to optimize tree health; and
• Flushing of the tree(s) root-ball with clean water to help remove any excess salt buildup.

Trees that are salt intolerant and/or stressed due to improper planting and maintenance are often the first to succumb to saltwater flooding events. For additional information on how to protect your trees and prepare for King Tides, please visit the following websites:

• University of Florida Salt Tolerant Plants
• Flooding and Trees  

Mounded planting which can help protect newly planted trees from flooding and future grade changes.

Some examples of Florida Native Salt Tolerant Trees

                                      

                                 Green Buttonwood                        Eastern Red Cedar

                                   Gumbo Limbo                         Silver Buttonwood

 

Orange Geiger

Tree Risk and Ethics

Cities throughout Florida have seen a recent uptick in trees being removed due to the perception of risk and or concerns over an existing tree's health. Subsequently there has also been concerns over unqualified individuals performing these assessments, and or those violating industry ethical standards. Like other professional assessments the determination of tree risk should only be handled by qualified/licensed individuals with relevant experience. In this case that would be by an  International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist with the TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). If you're concerned about a tree on your property these are the individuals you should be consulting with first before making a final decision. In many cases the tree defects observed are correctable and complete tree removal often isn't necessary. 

Proper TRAQ Form Example

Poor Arborist Report Example (Unacceptable)

Regarding observed or suspected ethics violations (for example purposely submitting inaccurate or incomplete reports, falsifying information etc.) there is a policy in place for reporting violations directly to ISA available here. I've also included a link to an article authored by the Florida Chapter of ISA specifically addressing the "Ethics of Arboriculture".  Ultimately, as an ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist with TRAQ qualification my goal remains to help educate others as to the values of using a properly credentialed tree professional and also provide information on how to report those who unethically abuse this privilege. 

Ethics of Arboriculture  

Find an Arborist

Unique Tree History

Every once and a while I come across a tree related article that makes me appreciate the role trees play as part of our community history, in some cases in quite a shocking fashion. This particular tree's backstory has all the elements of a great yarn including: History, Terrifying Name and the Macabre. The tree uniquely dubbed "The Devil Tree" is actually located in St. Lucie County within the Oak Hammock Park. While there is nothing sinister appearance wise with the Live Oak, its past history is both alarming and enlightening. Associations with Florida's first serial murderer along with numerous attempts throughout the years to burn/cut down the tree only add to its allure. 

Image used courtesy of www.wierdus.com

For additional information on the "Devil Tree", please visit the following websites: 

Weird Florida (weirdus.com)

The Devil's Tree - Clio (theclio.com)

Oak Hammock Park | Park Details | Port St. Lucie (cityofpsl.com)

The Benefits of Organic Mulch for Trees in the South Florida Urban Environment

Urban trees such as those present within south Florida are often stressed by their environment. Limited root space, poor soil, and lack of nutrients are common issues. While soil/foliar testing, root zone excavation, and fertility programs are encouraged, there are simpler ways to improve overall tree health. One of the most cost-efficient and effective ways to achieve this is mulching.

Mulch is simply defined as a substance which covers soil. Mulch comes in organic (wood chips, pine straw, leaves) and inorganic forms (rubber, landscape fabric, rocks). While both forms of mulch may help to retain soil moisture, reduce weed competition, and reduce soil temperatures, organic forms of mulch have greater benefits.

The most overlooked benefit of organic mulch in the urban landscape is its ability to improve the soil it is applied to. When mulch is applied to a typical sandy South Florida soil, for example, its immediate benefits are reducing erosion, dust, and water runoff. The long-term benefits are surprisingly far-reaching. When mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil. Over time, this simple amendment can increase soil fertility, water-holding capacity, reduce bulk density, and increase beneficial microbes. Basically, this helps improve the overall quality of the soil and provides a natural buffer to sudden changes that would otherwise impact tree health.

When assessing overall tree health, soil is of upmost importance. When the soil is healthy, overall tree health is greater, and the ability of the tree to ward off pests and diseases may increase. Mulch is an accessible, affordable, and relatively easy way to contribute to long-term soil health.

In the landscape, weeds and turf grass often compete with a tree’s critical root zone for water, nutrients, space, and light. Sod also has different fertility and water requirements than most canopy trees and palms.  For these reasons, it is recommended that tree owners remove sod underneath the dripline of the tree prior to mulch application. Removing sod will also reduce excess fertilizer and water use. Organic mulch may then be applied to a depth of 2-3 inches. Take care not to bury the tree trunk or major buttress roots (this often leads to rot) and keeping the mulch at least 6-12” away from the trunk is also recommended. Depending on the specific type of mulch used and site conditions, older mulch may be raked and replaced seasonally to increase aeration. These simple adjustments can reduce maintenance and costs for the tree owner and contribute to the overall health of our urban forest. 

For additional information about the tree benefits of mulch and organic matter please click here SL273/MG454: Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Organic Matter and Organic Amendments (ufl.edu).  (Guest Post by Kirstie McCullough, ISA Certified Arborist) 

                                                How to Properly Apply Mulch

 

Photo Credit: Https://greentreedoctor.com