FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rick Joyce, Lee County Community Development
              (239) 479-8585

Removal of Trees on Private Property after a Hurricane

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 15, 2004) - Lee County desires to clear up any misunderstandings regarding standing tree removal from private property after the hurricane(s).

There has not been any suspension of required Lee County vegetation or tree removal permits. Tree removal permits are required for the removal of standing native trees on industrial, commercial and multi-family residential sites. Permits are also required for single-family residential sites on barrier islands when 5 or more trees are to be removed or on Pine Island for single-family residential site greater than 2 acres.

Generally, a tree removal permit is not required for downed trees, severely damaged trees or the removal of exotic pest trees, such as Australian pines, Brazilian pepper or Melaleuca. The removal of these types of trees must done in a manner that limits damage to existing standing trees or other native vegetation.

Following a hurricanes, many trees across Lee County have been or might be damaged from high winds. Many of the injuries or failures in these trees can be addressed and further damage reduced. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Lee County Division of Environmental Sciences staff receommend the following:

Assess the tree damages

Other than storm damage, is the tree healthy and vigorous? Are major limbs or the main central branch (leader) still remaining? Is at least 50 percent of the tree's crown (branches and leaves) still intact? Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure? If you answered "yes" to the majority of these questions, there is a good chance for complete recovery with appropriate pruning. Do not try to do it all yourself! If large limbs are broken or hanging, or if ladder or overhead chain saw work is needed, it is a job for a professional arborist.

Stand Trees back up

Many trees suffer friction failures that cause the tree's root system to lift out of the ground as the tree leans over. Uprooted trees are often unnecessarily removed under the mistaken idea that they can not be saved. These trees can often be saved but are also very dangerous. The tension caused by the roots still in the ground can cause the tree to snap back. Consult the service of a certified arborist if you are unsure about performing this work.

Do not top your trees

Untrained individuals may urge you to cut back all of the branches, on the mistaken assumption that it will help avoid breakage in future storms. However, research has shown that "topping," the cutting of main branches back to stubs, is extremely harmful and unhealthy for your trees. Stubs will often grow back many weakly attached branches that are higher and are more likely to break when a storm strikes. Also, topping will reduce the amount of foliage, on which the tree depends for the food and nourishment needed for re-growth. A topped tree that has already sustained major storm damage is more likely to die than repair itself.

Beware of Price Gouging

Sometimes less credible tree services will take advantage of storm victims. Good tree work by qualified professionals is not inexpensive; however, poor work no matter the price paid can cost you a great deal. A reasonable price for professional tree work in Florida ranges from $75-$125 per worker per hour. This price includes liability and workman's compensation insurance, as well as bucket trucks and equipment. It does not include heavier specialty equipment that may be needed such as cranes, loaders, etc. It also does not include hardware that may be installed in the tree.

For information regarding permits associated with tree or native vegetation removal, pruning or installation, contact the Lee County Division of Environmental Sciences staff at (239) 479-8585. For additional information on general tree care and care of tree after a hurricane contact the Lee County - University of Florida Extension Office staff at (239) 461-7504.