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Trees

Tree City USA Designation:

The Village of Pinecrest has been named Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the Village's commitment to community forestry. The Village has met the foundation's standards for receiving this national recognition in part by planting over 10,000 street trees since 1997.

Tree Trimming 101

Tree Trimming 101 (Video via YouTube)

Power Lines & Trees FAQ

Post-Hurricane Irma Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is responsible for removing and trimming trees near powerlines after a major storm or hurricane?

Only FPL can remove or trim trees near power lines. FPL has a three-step process by which it restores power:

1. Patrol crews assess the damage to each power line.

2. If there is damage such as, breakage or a tree on the line, a vegetation crew trims or removes tree.

3. A line crew makes the repair to the power line to restore power. FPL line crews told me that they are waiting for Village staff to remove downed trees in order to restore power.

Why is the Village not doing anything?

FPL line crews who restore power are waiting on FPL vegetation crews to trim or remove trees. Village staff is not authorized and does not have the expertise needed to trim or clear trees near power lines. Only FPL crews and contractors can safely remove or trim trees near power lines.

Why didn’t the Village trim trees before the hurricane?

During regular operations, the maintenance of trees near power lines is the responsibility of FPL. For more information about FPL’s Line Clearing Program, please go to https://www.fpl.com/reliability/trees/line-clearing.html. Residents can call the utility and request this service at 305-442-8770. It is a safety hazard to trim or clear trees yourself or have a landscaper do it. The maintenance of trees that are not near power lines, on private property, easements, and public right-of-ways adjacent to property lines is the responsibility of the property owner.

What can I do to expedite the removal of trees near power lines and downed wires?

Residents should email irma@pinecrest-fl.gov with the issue. Our Public Works Department staff will report the issue to FPL and continue to follow-up. In addition, residents can call 1.800.4OUTAGE (1.800.468.8243) to specifically report downed power lines and power lines near trees. Where are the FPL trucks? FPL representatives are posted at Coral Pine Park at 6955 SW 104th Street and can answer questions specific to FPL operations.

FPL Line Clearing Program

View FPL Line Clearing Program

Australian Pines Removal

Australian Pine Overview:

Australian Pines (Casuarina species) are a non-native tree species in Florida. The species was initially introduced to tropical areas throughout the world to stabilize sand dunes and to form windbreaks. Since then, it has since been confirmed that Australian Pines in a non-native habitat are harmful to the natural environment and create hazardous conditions that far outweigh any benefits. The tree’s lateral root system and top heavy structure provides poor resistance to high winds and make it vulnerable to toppling and major branch breakage, which can cause extensive property damage.

Advisory:

If there are Australian Pines in the public right-of-way adjacent to your home, the Public Works Department will be removing the trees and will replace them with other non-invasive species. The department will contact you prior to the replacement of any tree.

Replacement/Maintenance:

If you have Australian Pines on your property, outside of the public right-of-way, you are encouraged to remove the trees and replace them with a non-invasive species. If you choose to keep the trees, you are required to maintain them in a safe non-hazardous condition by pruning them to reduce the overall height of the trees to mitigate the potential for damage to neighboring properties in the event of a tree breakage or collapse due to high winds.

Questions/Information:

If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at 305-669-6916.

Tree Topping Information

Tree Topping Informational Brochure(PDF, 1MB)

Adopt-A-Tree Program

Adopt-a-Tree Programs

Trees and plants are an integral and vital part of the earths ecosystem and provide us with countless benefits. They serve as a natural abatement to noise pollution; they camouflage unsightly views; they provide shelter for birds and wildlife; and they maintain and improve the aesthetic quality of the Village of Pinecrest, thereby promoting the health and general welfare of the citizenry. In order to enhance the appearance of the community and improve the overall quality of life for its residents, the Village of Pinecrest began the Adopt-a-Tree Programs. This innovative program provides Pinecrest residents with an opportunity to obtain free trees for the public right-of-way (swale) in front of their home or purchase trees at low bid prices for their private property in order to increase the overall canopy of the Village.

Street Trees

Homeowners wishing to plant trees in the public right-of-way should complete an Adopt-a-Tree Program Application(PDF, 249KB) and submit it to the Public Works Department. The application includes planting requirements such as safety distances from the street and driveway as well as minimum separation standards for the trees according to species. A homeowner wishing to participate is required to sketch the location of the trees to be planted on the application to ensure compliance with all the planting requirements. Once the application is submitted, the Village will inspect the site and provide specific planting instructions to the authorized contractor. The contractor will provide the tree(s) with a one-year guarantee and install them at the property site.

Private Property Trees

Homeowners wishing to plant trees on their private property should complete an Adopt-a-Tree Program Application and submit it with payment (please contact the Arborist at the Public Works Department at 305.669.6916 for an updated list of pricing) to the Public Works Department. The application includes planting requirements such as safety distances from the street and driveway as well as minimum separation standards for the trees according to species. A homeowner wishing to participate is required to sketch the location of the trees to be planted on the application to ensure compliance with all the planting requirements. Once the application is submitted, the Village will inspect the site and provide specific planting instructions to the authorized contractor. The contractor will provide the tree(s) with a one-year guarantee and install them at the property site.

Miami-Dade County also has an Adopt-a-Tree Program which offers free trees for property owners.

Tree Removal/Relocation Permit

Whenever there is proposed construction which involves the removal or relocation of tree(s), a tree removal/relocation permit must be obtained prior to the issuance of the building permit for the proposed construction.

Tree Removal/ Relocation/ Pruning Permit Application(PDF, 157KB)

Tree Preservation and Protection Acknowledgement Form(PDF, 82KB)

*Reminder: Landscapers must already be registered with Code Compliance prior to seeking a permit.
For more information see the Landscapers Registration page.