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  

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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