Tree Removal

CAN I REMOVE TREES FROM MY PROPERTY?

It is unlawful and a violation of the Lake County Land Regulations (Ch. 09.02.00) and Florida Statutes §163.045 to kill, clear, or remove a tree by any method without first submitting a Tree Removal Application and securing a tree removal permit.

Per the Greater Pines subdivision deed covenants, you need to submit an ACC application for the removal of any tree that does not meet exemption requirements, to ensure that the removal of the tree does not injure the aesthetic harmony of the community.

The intent of these rules and regulations is to encourage the proliferation and replacement of trees and vegetation, and to recognize their importance and meaningful contribution to a healthy, beautiful, and safer community, through their carbon dioxide absorption, oxygen production, dust filtration, and wind and noise reduction. The County recognizes the value of trees for preventing soil erosion, protecting lakeshore erosion, providing wildlife habitat, improving surface drainage, beautifying, and enhancing the aesthetics of improved and vacant lands.

Protected Trees

Native trees, wetland trees, and certain heritage or specimen trees are protected
The following trees and palms are designated protected trees:
- All trees and palms native to Florida or Florida Friendly, three (3) inches or larger in diameter at breast height.
  - Large Canopy & Shade Trees (These are typically used for streets, parks, and large common areas)
    - Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
    - Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
    - Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
    - Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens)
    - Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)
    - Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
    - Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
    - Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
    - Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
    - Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)
    - Water Oak (Quercus nigra)
    - Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
    - Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii)
    - American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
    - Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra)
    - Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa)
    - Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata)
    - American Elm (Ulmus americana)
    Medium-Sized Native Trees (Good for residential streetscapes and HOA common areas).
    - Florida Maple (Acer floridanum)
    - Redbay (Persea borbonia)
    - Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
    - Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
    - East Palatka Holly (Ilex × attenuata)
    - American Holly (Ilex opaca)
    - Blackgum / Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
    - Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia)
    - Chickasaw Hawthorn (Crataegus aestivalis)
    - Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
    - Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)
    - Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca)
    Small Trees & Understory Trees (Ideal for landscape design, buffers, and ornamental use.)
    - Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
    - Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
    - Walter’s Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum)
    - Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)
    - Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
    - Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides)
    - Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
    - Wild Olive (Osmanthus americanus)
    - Silverthorn (Elaeagnus commutata)
    - Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina)
    - Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
    Native Palms (Florida-Specific) (Florida is one of the few states with true native palms.)
    - Cabbage Palm / Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto) — Florida State Tree
    - Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
    - Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
    - Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata)
    - Silver Palm (Coccothrinax argentata)
    - Royal Palm (Roystonea regia) — Native to South Florida
    - Paurotis Palm / Everglades Palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii)
    Coastal & Salt-Tolerant Trees (Excellent for beachfront, coastal HOA, and high-wind zones.)
    - Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera)
    - Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)
    - Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)
    - Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca)
    - Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides)
    Wetland & Floodplain Trees (Ideal for retention ponds, drainage areas, and natural preserves)
    - Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
    - Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens)
    - Swamp Tupelo (Nyssa biflora)
    - Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
    - Black Willow (Salix nigra)
    - Water Hickory (Carya aquatica)
    - Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
    Rare & Region-Specific Natives (Mostly Central & South Florida) (These are often used in conservation landscaping.)
    - Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum sanctum)
    - Florida Torreya (Torreya taxifolia) — Extremely rare
    - Satinleaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme)
    - Wild Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum)
    - Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula)
- Sand Pine and Xeric Oak Scrub community trees two (2) inches in diameter or larger at breast height.
- Specimen and Heritage trees
Removal of these requires a permit unless exempt (e.g., hazardous trees or storm-damaged trees as per Section 163.045, Florida Statutes)

When You Need a Permit

A permit is required for removing most protected trees unless they present immediate danger, are diseased, or fall under specific exemptions

Best Practices Post-Storm

Document tree conditions with photos before removal if immediate action is required for safety
Replacement trees may be required for the removed protected trees

Exemptions

It is requested that your required ISA-Certified Arborist evaluation be submitted to the HOA prior to the removal of the tree that meets the permit exemptions below:

Dead or storm-damaged trees do not require permits or replacements if not part of a development order
Residential lots under two acres may have additional exemptions

Tree Requirements for a Single-Family Residence

Two trees for lots 6,000 square feet or less
Three trees for 6,001 to 10,000 square feet
Five trees for more than 10,001 square feet to one acre
Add three more trees per acre over one acre – not to exceed 15