Sarasota, Florida
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Sarasota
In the City of Sarasota, a live oak with a trunk of 24 inches or more is a grand tree. A 2022 revision added sand live oak, slash pine, longleaf pine and southern red cedar to the grand tree list. Trees on a removal application must be marked with orange ribbon, and a grand tree permit must be posted where it can be seen from the street.
- County
- Sarasota
- Tree rules
- City of Sarasota tree protection code; Development Services
- Key local rule
- Grand trees: live oak and listed species at 24 inches DBH, single or combined trunks
- Electric utility
- Florida Power & Light
- Main hazards
- Hurricanes and surge, salt, laurel oak decay, lightning
What is a grand tree in Sarasota?
A live oak, or one of the species added in 2022, with a single or combined trunk diameter of 24 inches or more at breast height. Grand trees get the highest level of protection in the city's code, and the permit must be posted visibly from the right-of-way before removal unless the director finds an imminent hazard.
- Original species
- Live oak.
- Added in 2022
- Sand live oak, slash pine, longleaf pine and southern red cedar.
- Posting
- Grand tree permits must be visible from the street.
Sarasota's important trees
- Live oaks
- Grand trees across older neighborhoods such as Laurel Park and Indian Beach.
- Slash and longleaf pines
- Native pines now covered at grand tree size.
- Southern red cedar
- Salt-tolerant native, newly protected.
- Banyans
- Large, spreading figs in older estates and parks.
- Laurel oaks
- Common, short-lived and storm-prone.
City process and county rules
Trees on a removal application must be marked with an orange ribbon within 24 hours of submitting it, so staff can find them on inspection. Applications are submitted at the city's Development Services office. The 2022 code revision passed the City Commission 4 to 1.
Sarasota County's rules are separate and apply in unincorporated areas. The county directs residents of the City of Sarasota, North Port and Longboat Key to their own local governments for tree permits.
Sarasota warning signs
Laurel oaks with hollow trunks
Decay in short-lived oaks.
Pines struck by lightning
Spiral bark scars followed by beetles.
Salt-browned leaves near the bay
After surge from storms such as Helene and Milton in 2024.
Overtrimmed palms
Weakened trunks.
Applying to remove a grand tree
Measure
Single or combined trunk at breast height.
Mark with ribbon
Within 24 hours of applying.
Submit to Development Services
In person.
Post the permit
Visible from the right-of-way before removal.
Replant
As the permit requires.
2024 storms
Hurricane Helene passed offshore in late September 2024 and pushed surge into low areas of Sarasota. Two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall at Siesta Key, just south of the city, with strong winds that toppled trees across Sarasota County.
Live oaks generally came through with limb damage. Laurel oaks and some pines failed in large numbers. For storm-damaged trees on residential property, Florida's state exemption allows removal with documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect.
Sarasota tree questions
Does the City of Sarasota protect pines?
Since 2022, slash and longleaf pines of grand tree size are protected.
I live in Venice or North Port. Do these rules apply?
No. Each city and unincorporated Sarasota County has its own rules.
Why must I tie a ribbon on the tree?
So inspectors can identify the trees on the application.
Can a grand tree be removed after a hurricane?
Hazards can be handled quickly. The director can waive posting for imminent safety hazards.
Are there penalties for removing a grand tree without a permit?
Yes. The city can require replacement trees and impose penalties for unpermitted removal of protected trees.
Why were pines added to the grand tree list?
Slash and longleaf pines are native to the area, and the 2022 revision aimed to protect more of the large native trees that remain in the city.
Reach a tree service in Sarasota
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Sarasota area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
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