Lee County Tree Maintenance Requirements
 The conservation of existing
trees and the planting of new trees on development sites is required
by the Lee County Land Development Code. Both retained and new trees
provide breaks in the urban landscape and offer many benefits. These
benefits include: providing oxygen, conserving energy, filtering
water, creating a cooling canopy, absorbing noise, reducing glare,
creating areas for wildlife and increased property values.
Trees can be pruned to address visibility and
safety while maintaining their structural integrity. The intent of
tree maintenance is to allow required trees to grow into normal,
mature landscape features and is required by
Section
10-421 (c) of the
Lee County Land Development Code which
states:
(c) Pruning. Vegetation required by this
code may only be pruned to promote healthy, uniform, natural
growth of the vegetation (except where necessary to promote
health, safety, and welfare) and be in accordance with "American
National Standard for Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, and
Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices (Pruning)
(A300, Part 1)" by the American National Standard Institute, and
"Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning" by the International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Trees must not
be severely pruned to permanently maintain growth at a reduced
height or spread. Pruning must not interfere with the design
intent of the original installation. Severely pruned trees must
be replaced by the property owner. Replacement trees must meet
the tree size requirements of LDC section 10-420. A plant's
growth habit must be considered in advance of conflicts which
might arise (i.e. views, signage, overhead power lines,
lighting, circulation, sidewalks, buildings, and similar
conflicts).
 Tree topping and severe
crown pruning
Severe pruning is considered irreparable damage to
trees. Citations, to both the property owner and the tree pruning
contractor will be issued. If the trees are severely pruned tree
restoration may be required.
It is extremely important to plan your landscape to
avoid future pruning problems. Appropriate plant selection can
result in a reduced need for extensive pruning and maintenance.
To view more information on correct
tree pruning, penalties for improper pruning and for examples of the
most common and severe tree pruning violations in Lee County,
click here.
For information regarding plant selection and tree protection
contact the Lee County Division
of Environmental Sciences staff. Information
on landscape maintenance and plant pruning can also be obtained by
contacting the Lee County - University of Florida Extension Office
staff at (239) 338-3232.
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