Pensacola, Florida
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Pensacola
Pensacola protects heritage trees, mostly large live oaks, for their size, age and value, and pruning or removing one needs a special permit. The rules sit in Chapters 7-13 and 12-6 of the city code, and permits are applied for online. A company that trimmed a heritage oak in a city park without approval faced fines in a recent case.
- County
- Escambia
- Tree rules
- Pensacola Code of Ordinances Chapters 7-13 and 12-6; City Arborist
- Key local rule
- Permits for heritage trees, both for pruning and removal; other rules vary by land use
- Electric utility
- Florida Power & Light (formerly Gulf Power)
- Main hazards
- Hurricanes, flooding, old live oaks over historic houses
Which Pensacola trees need a permit?
Heritage trees always do, for pruning as well as removal. Other requirements depend on the land use, because the city's tree rules are written separately for different kinds of property. Permits are applied for through the city's online permitting system, and the City Arborist can confirm what applies to your lot.
- Heritage trees
- Permit for pruning or removal.
- Other trees
- Rules vary by land use.
- State exemption
- Florida Statute 163.045 applies to documented high-risk trees on residential property.
Where the rules are
The city's tree regulations are in Chapters 7-13 and 12-6 of the Code of Ordinances and are land-use specific. Applications are made by creating an account on the city's online permitting portal and following the permit prompts.
Heritage trees are protected because of their size, age and environmental value. When a company trimmed a historic oak at Belvedere Park without city approval, the city considered fines. Unauthorized work on heritage trees is treated seriously.
Ivan and Sally
Hurricane Ivan made landfall just west of Pensacola in September 2004 as a strong Category 3 storm. Wind and surge damaged much of the city, and pines across Escambia County snapped by the thousands. Hurricane Sally in September 2020 stalled over the area and dropped more than two feet of rain, saturating soils and toppling trees.
Live oaks in the historic districts, North Hill, East Hill and around Seville Square, came through both storms better than pines and water oaks.
After major storms, Florida's state exemption lets residential owners remove trees that an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect documents as an unacceptable risk.
Panhandle warning signs
Pines with broken tops from past storms
Hangers and beetle risk.
Live oak limbs touching roofs
Prune with a permit if it is a heritage tree.
Water oaks with fungus
Decay and storm failure.
Trees in low areas after Sally-like rain
Saturated roots and leaning trunks.
Working on a heritage tree
Ask the City Arborist
Confirm whether the tree is a heritage tree.
Apply online
Before pruning or removal.
Hire an experienced crew
Live oak pruning should keep interior foliage.
Keep the permit on site
During the work.
Pensacola settings
- North Hill and East Hill
- Historic homes under large live oaks.
- Downtown and Seville Square
- Public oaks and street trees.
- East Pensacola Heights
- Waterfront lots and storm exposure.
- Suburban Escambia County
- Tall pines and county rules.
- Perdido Key and the beaches
- Salt-tolerant species and severe storm exposure, under county and federal coastal rules.
Pensacola tree questions
Do I need a permit to trim a heritage tree in Pensacola?
Yes. Pruning as well as removal of heritage trees requires a special permit.
Does Escambia County use the city's rules?
No. Unincorporated Escambia County has its own code.
Who was Gulf Power?
The former electric utility for Northwest Florida, now part of Florida Power & Light.
How do I reach the City Arborist?
Through the City of Pensacola's arborist page.
How should heritage live oaks be pruned?
Lightly, keeping interior foliage and removing only dead, broken and rubbing branches. Lion-tailing weakens them.
What does Florida's state exemption require?
Written documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree is an unacceptable risk under the ISA risk assessment method.
Reach a tree service in Pensacola
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Pensacola area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day