Arborists in Naples, FL, Help Identify Protected Trees.
How Tree Service Experts Can Help with Protected Trees
Living in beautiful Naples, FL, means enjoying vibrant greenery year-round. The city’s Urban Forest Program manages over 20,000 trees and palms on public property, and nearly 30% of Naples is covered by tree canopy. However, for homeowners looking to make changes to said greenery, it also means being aware of the city’s tree protection rules. Not every tree can be trimmed, altered, or removed freely, and several local ordinances safeguard certain trees to preserve the area’s natural beauty and environmental health.
If you’re planning landscaping, renovations, or considering tree removal, it’s essential to know whether your trees are protected and how to avoid fines or legal trouble. Here’s what every homeowner should understand about protected trees in Naples.
What Are Protected Trees in Naples?
Protected trees are species or individual specimens that Naples regulations shield from unnecessary harm, severe tree trimming, or removal.
Generally, protections are in place for:
- Native species critical to the local ecosystem.
- Large or historically significant trees.
- Trees that contribute to canopy cover and environmental health.
- Trees located within conservation areas or public rights-of-way.
You can’t call a tree service company to remove a protected tree without proper permits and approvals.
Commonly Protected Trees in Naples, FL
While the exact list can vary by property type and conservation rules, some trees commonly protected include:
- Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
- South Florida Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa)
- Long-leaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
- Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)
- Florida Royal Palm (Roystonea elata)
- Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera)
- Buttonwood (Conocarpus erecta)
- Black Olive (Bucida buceras)
- Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea)
- Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca)
- Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
- White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)
- Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans)
Palm trees, while iconic in Florida landscapes, may also be protected depending on their location and environmental importance.
When You Need a Permit for Tree Work
So what happens when you want to change any of the above mentioned trees? For starters, you may need a permit from the City of Naples (or Collier County, depending on your jurisdiction). Additionally, those requirements will only be for specific services, like complete tree removals, major root cutting or disruption, or relocation, to name a few.
Even routine tree trimming must be performed carefully to comply with local standards if the tree is protected. Hiring a licensed arborist ensures the work meets Naples’ regulations and protects your property from potential fines.
Are your trees on the protected list? Here’s how to find out:
- Contact Naples Planning Department: They can verify zoning and conservation easements that affect your property.
- Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection: A licensed tree care expert can identify protected species and assess tree health.
- Review Your HOA Guidelines: Some homeowner associations have stricter rules regarding tree protection and landscaping changes than the city.
When in doubt, always check before you cut.
Penalties for Unpermitted Tree Removal
Removing a protected tree without a permit can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Hefty fines (potentially thousands of dollars per tree).
- Mandatory replacement with approved native species.
- Additional penalties for damage to conservation easements or wetlands.
In Naples, trees aren’t just landscaping—they’re part of the region’s identity and ecosystem. Protecting them isn’t just good for the environment; it’s the law.
About Any Town Tree
Need help maintaining your property’s trees, assessing a potentially hazardous specimen, or navigating the permit process? Contact Any Town Tree, your trusted tree service company in Naples, FL. With expert tree care and compliance on your side, you can keep your landscape healthy, beautiful, and fully protected. Call today (239) 580-8733!