Trees

Tree Preservation

The Tree Preservation Program enforces Chapter 27, Article XIV of the Broward County Pollution Control Code, titled “Tree Preservation And Abuse Ordinance”.

Read more about the ordinance. 

CARE FOR YOUR TREES
Program Information
 

​​​​Tree Preservation Program Areas of Responsibility and Municipalities

The Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance has Countywide authority, although it is not enforced in municipalities that have as stringent regulations.

Currently the Tree Preservation Program covers the following Areas of Responsibility and Specific Municipalities: 

  • Unincorporated Broward County
  • Broward County controlled properties and facilities,
  • Broward County Environmentally Designated Lands* (LAPC, ERL, NRA NFC)
  • The School Board of Broward County, FL. controlled sites 
  • Lighthouse Point
  • Lauderdale Lakes
  • Lazy Lake
  • North Lauderdale
  • Pembroke Park
  • Town of Lauderdale By The Sea
  • Town of Hillsboro Beach
  • Village of Sea Ranch Lakes
  • Wilton Manors

*LAPC: Local Areas of Particular Concern; NRA: Natural Resource Areas; ESL: Environmentally Sensitive Land 

Tree Preservation Brochure

The Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance Regulates the Following:

  • Tree Removal and Tree Relocation: A license is required for the removal or relocation of trees, except for nuisance trees. In order to remove or relocate trees, the removal and relocation must be justified, and either relocation or replacement of trees must take place.
  • Pruning: Improper pruning of trees and palms, such as “hat racking”, "topping" , "stub cutting" or “excessive lifting” 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 and conducting onsite pre-construction meetings to go over tree protection related issues.
  • 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 Program:

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

Removing and Relocating Trees

Do you need to remove or relocate a tree in Broward County? If so, you need to fill out a Tree Removal License Application and pay a fee.

Application and fee schedule

Reporting Tree Abuse

You can report tree abuse, unlicensed tree removal activity, or any other violation regarding trees.

Reporting is simple and can be done via:

  • Phone: (954) 519-1499, (954) 831-4000 or 311​
  • ​Online: MyBroward

Tree Preservation Trust Fund​

​The Tree Preservation Trust Fund was created pursuant to the Broward County Administrative Code, Chapter 27, PART XXXIII, to be used for tree planting projects that enhance the tree canopy of Broward County. In certain instances payments can be made to the Broward County Tree Preservation Trust Fund in lieu of tree replacement requirements.

Trust Fund Committee Meetings

The purpose of the Committee is to review and make recommendations on requests for funding from the Tree Preservation Trust Fund. Meetings are scheduled as needed based upon funding requests. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 20th, 2025, 2 p.m. For more meeting information visit the Tree Preservation Trust Fund Website.