Community Announcements

Tree Protection

Safety Harbor is home to an extensive tree canopy including many protected and established trees. Below is information regarding our tree regulations, tree pruning, and tree related activities. Tree Ordinance In 2015, the City Commission adopted a tree ordinance (Article X of the City of Safety Harbor Comprehensive Zoning and Land Development Code) including: a protected tree list minimum tree planting requirements regulations for tree removal and replacement pruning standards procedures for enforcement of the tree ordinance A link to the tree ordinance is below: Safety Harbor Tree Ordinance Tree Permit The removal of protected trees requires a tree removal permit. A link to the permit is below: Protected Tree or Grand Tree Removal Permit Grand Tree Qualifying Form Tree Pruning Tree pruning is required to be performed to American National Standards called ANSI 300 Part 1: Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Plant Maintenance Standard Practices. Improper tree pruning can lead to damage where rot and decay can enter the tree. A link to a brochure is below: Tree Pruning Brochure Tree Planting Below is a link to information regarding tree planting. Tree Planting Details Planting and Establishing Trees Free Tree Event City of Safety Harbor's yearly Tree Give-a-Way will be held at Safety Harbor City Park near the Alligator Lake Boat Ramp on Saturday October 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Species available may include: Bottlebrush, Flowering Dogwood, Crape Myrtles, Eastern Redbuds, Yaupon Holly, Southern Magnolias, Red Maples, Pecan, Gumbo Limbo, Chicksaw Plum, Bald Cypress, and Seagrape. The City Arborist along with both Public Works and Community Development Staff will be on site to help answer any questions you may have. Planting and Watering Guides will be handed out with each tree to help Safety Harbor Residents with proper tree care and placement. Street Tree Planting Program The City of Safety Harbor is continuing the Annual Street Tree Program. City residents can sign up to have a free shade tree planted in their front yards. All requests will be reviewed to ensure the selected tree is appropriate for the requested location and will not conflict with utilities. The trees will be planted by the city however applicants are responsible for watering the trees during the establishment period. A tree watering schedule will be provided to each applicant. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2027. Applications and waivers can be downloaded here: Street Tree Planting Application Tree Planting Waiver A signed waiver form is required at time of application to allow staff and a planting contractor to determine a proper location and plant the trees. Available trees include Red Maple, Pignut Hickory, Pecan, Sugarberry, Common Persimmon, Eagleston Holly, American Holly, Cedar, Southern Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia, Blackgum, Slash Pine, Longleaf Pine, Loblolly Pine, Sycamore, Live Oak, Bald Cypress, Winged Elm, American Elm, Lacebark Elm and Gumbo Limbo. Trees are available in 15 and 30 gallon containers. Please select two tree choices since one may not be available. Residents who apply for the program are responsible for watering the trees. All requests will be reviewed to confirm the tree can thrive in the requested location. Below is a link to the City’s tree related frequently asked questions. Tree FAQs The City Commission adopted a Grand Tree Ordinance on December 20, 2021. Below is a link to the City's tree related frequently asked questions about the Grand Tree Ordinance. Grand Tree Ordinance FAQ Tree Consultation If you would like the City Arborist to provide information regarding a tree on your property such as a species determination, health assessment, or pruning recommendations, please contact: James Ryan, City Arborist (727) 724-1555 ex.1303 [email protected]