The Tree Service Professionals You Can Trust

Like any living organism, trees need to be cared for to ensure healthy growth. That’s why you need to have your trees pruned regularly. Pruning trees is like giving them a haircut; it removes dead material and encourages new growth for better overall tree health. It opens up the canopy, allowing for optimal airflow and good coverage while helping to prevent disease. Plus, it keeps you, your property, and others safe. 

Once branches are removed, you can call your local Waste Management Department to mulch it. Alternately, you might bring the branches to the dump, chip them yourself, or consider hiring a local tree service company.

Every tree is different. This means that there is no surefire answer to how long any dead tree can remain standing on its own. It could be days or even years. However, just because it doesn’t fall on its own doesn’t mean it should stay standing. Once dead, your foliage becomes a hazard and should be removed. 

If you’ve determined that a tree is most definitely dead, you need to act quickly. A mature tree can be enormous and heavy. If it falls on its own, it’s capable of doing massive damage to property, or worse, injuring someone.

Although the details vary from city to city, the short answer is yes, you need a permit to remove protected trees. A protected tree is:

• A tree with a trunk measuring 5” DBH (diameter at breast height) or larger on residential and non-residential properties that are developed, vacant, or under construction.
• A tree with a trunk measuring 12” DBH or larger on a residential property that hosts the principal dwelling.

Tampa Bay’s municipal government has a list of trees that don’t require a permit to remove, and you may also remove a dead tree without a permit. If you’re unsure about whether you need a permit for your property, an ISA certified arborist will be able to assess your tree. However, in cases of historic tree preservation, it’s tough to get a permit for removal. 

A tree cutting permit can be obtained and submitted by a licensed general contractor, a tree servicing business, an authorized agent, or a one-or-two-family residential property owner. 

According to Tampa Bay’s regulations, unauthorized tree removal is a serious offense and will be treated as such. Illegal removal may lead to a fine, although the amount you are fined usually depends on the severity of the situation. For instance, if you make a slight mismeasurement of DBH and consequently remove the tree, you may receive a small fine. If you fail to comply with local historic tree preservation guidelines, or remove a historic oak tree, expect to face some consequences.