Tree Trimming

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR:

Trimming trees in your neighborhood offers many benefits for the community. Overgrown branches can pose a safety hazard by obstructing walkways, roads and visibility, especially during Hurricane Season. Regular tree trimming helps eliminate these potential risks, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Trees growing near powerlines can cause outages or safety concerns. Never attempt to trim vegetation growing near powerlines or on poles. Only specially trained line-clearing professionals should work around powerlines.

The City of Margate recommends hiring licensed arborists who can “thin out” a tree strategically without weakening it’s structure. City officials cannot make a property owner remove or trim a tree simply because it is too large. However, overgrown trees that might encroach on neighboring properties can cause disputes. Be a good neighbor: regular trimming demonstrates consideration for your neighbor’s spaces and promotes harmonious relationships.

By City Code, the following requires a homeowner to trim or remove a tree:

• Trim branches that fall below 8 feet over a sidewalk

• Trim branches that fall below 12 feet over a canal

• Trim branches that fall below 14 feet over a street

• Remove dead tree (no permit required)

• Remove tree stump (no permit required)

• “Hatracking” (improperly trimming the main leaders of a tree, causing irreparable harm/damage) is considered tree abuse and is strictly prohibited.

  Homeowners can apply for a permit with DEES at 954-972-0828 if they wish yo remove a healthy tree. A permit will only be granted as allowed by ordinance under certain circumstances. FPL is the only entity permitted to trim/remove trees near powerlines. Contact FPL immediately at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to report a trimming issue.