Tree Preservation Program 

Summary

The Tree Preservation Section enforces Article 14 of the Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code, titled “Tree Preservation And Abuse Ordinance”. This article has Countywide authority, although it is not enforced in municipalities that have as stringent regulations. Currently the County program covers the following Areas of Responsibility and Specific Municipalities: Unincorporated Broward County, Broward County controlled properties and facilities, County Environmentally Designated Lands (LAPC, ERL, NRA NFC), The School Board of Broward County, FL. controlled sites and the Cities of Lighthouse Point, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Lazy Lake, North Lauderdale, Pembroke Park, Town of Lauderdale By The Sea, Town of Hillsboro Beach, Village of Sea Ranch Lakes and Wilton Manors.

The Tree Preservation And Abuse Ordinance regulates the following:

• Tree Removal- a license is required for the removal of trees, except for nuisance trees. In order to remove trees, the removal must be justified, and either relocation or replacement of trees must take place.
• Tree Pruning- Improper pruning of trees, such as “hat racking”or “excessive lifting” of trees is prohibited. Corrective actions such as tree removal and replacement, or corrective pruning are required for improperly pruned trees.
• Tree Protection From Construction- Certain steps are required to be taken to ensure that trees are not damaged during construction activities. These include installation and maintenance of highly visible tree protection barriers. 
• Payments into and expenditures from the Tree Preservation Trust Fund- Payment may be made in certain instances to the Broward County Tree Preservation Trust Fund in lieu of tree replacement requirements. The Fund is used for tree planting projects that enhance the tree canopy of Broward County.

Other activities of the Tree Preservation Section:

• Public outreach projects such as tree giveaways, educational seminars and school presentations.
• Assist in the development of regulations regarding tree related issues.