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  Lithia Ridge Yard Care - Tree Removal
    By Lynne Foussat    
    This month I thought I'd pass along some information about tree removal that I found out for myself. I have a fairly large laurel oak in my front yard that is all too quickly being overcome by mistletoe. Although we've had it professionally cut out before, it's back, it's vigorously growing and I'm sure we'll lose it in the future. So I did some checking on tree removal in Hillsborough County and here’s what I found.  All of the information came directly from Hillsborough County's Tree Removal Website, www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/resources/forms/landdevelopment/treere-movalpacket.pdf.   Also included at their Web site is a complete package which includes permit forms.  Here’s the nit and gritty of it and I have only included information that pertains to residential property where a house already exists.  All trees with tree trunks measuring 12 inches DBH (diameter at breast height, 4½ feet above ground) or larger require a permit before being removed.  In order to determine the diameter of the tree, measure around the tree (circumference) at 4 ½ feet above the ground and divide that number by 3.14. Example: If you measure around the tree and its circumference is 38inches, divide 38 by 3.14 (38 ÷ 3.14 =12-inch diameter). If the diameter exceeds 12 inches, a permit is required.  

Hillsborough County lists the following exceptions: Exempted trees: (Trees that have undesirable growth characteristics, are highly susceptible to freeze damage, or are detrimental to the survival of native plants or animals): monkey puzzle, orchid tree, paper mulberry, Australian pine, citrus tree, eucalyptus, Surinam cherry, jacaranda, chinaberry, cat claw mimosa, cherry laurel, Chinese tallow and queen palm. I've only listed those that I thought would apply to our community.  Please check out the web site for a complete and current listing.  Trees that are dead also are exempted from a permit. Their recommendations for replacement are green ash, American and winged elm, pig nut hickory, red maple, Southern magnolia, laurel, live, post, sand live, shumard and turkey oaks, longleaf, sand and slash pines, sugarberry, sweet gum, sycamore, and bald cypress.  Please don't forget that any major landscaping change must be submitted to the Lithia Ridge Architectural Committee for approval. 

Lynne Foussat is a University of Florida Master Gardener and can be reached at lynne.foussat@verizon.net.

Link to a download of the Hillsborough County Tree Removal Permit