Tree Trimming and Pruning

Pruning can beautify a tree, open the canopy to make it more wind-resistant, and make it more graceful. Pruning fruit trees keeps the fruit within reach, and pruning flowering trees helps them have more blossoms.  Shade trees are pruned to develop a balanced canopy with a single, central leader and nicely spaced lateral branches. Achieving that shape may take several years.

Unfortunately, we lose too many trees due to improper (and illegal) trimming. The Public Works Department would like all residents to be aware of what we can do to protect our trees by trimming them safely. The photo on this page, showing mature black olive trees, demonstrates what NOT to do.

The City Code of Ordinances states that:
54-06. Tree removal standards It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or by direction, to cut down, destroy, remove or move, or to effectively remove or destroy, through the infliction of damage, any tree within the City without first obtaining a permit from the building and zoning department… Not more than one third of the total crown area should be removed at a single operation. A cutting exceeding this standard will be considered to have rendered the tree nonviable, and shall be presumed, subject to rebuttable evidence to the contrary, to be effective destruction of the tree.

Violations of this Ordinance carry a fine of $250.00.  Property owners can avoid a visit by Code Compliance personnel, and help keep our City green by dealing with a Certified Arborist, or licensed tree trimmers. For information and questions about tree issues, please contact the Public Works Department: 305.805.5170.