Thinking about cutting down a tree in Davie? One wrong cut can lead to fines, delays, and costly replanting. You want to protect your home, keep your yard looking great, and stay compliant with Town rules. In this guide, you’ll learn when you need a permit, how Davie treats invasive trees, what it costs, and how to avoid penalties. Let’s dive in.
Do you need a permit?
Yes, in most situations you need a tree removal or relocation permit in Davie. The Town explains that some invasive or exotic species listed in Section 12-152 do not require a permit, but removal that leaves your property below the minimum tree requirements will still trigger mitigation or replacement. Review the Town’s guidance in the Town of Davie FAQ on tree permits before you cut anything.
Invasive trees in Davie
Davie uses a local list to determine which invasive or exotic trees may be removed without a permit. Always confirm your species against the Town’s Section 12-152 list first. For context, statewide resources like the Florida Invasive Species Council plant list explain why certain species are prioritized for removal.
Commonly cited invasive plants in South Florida include Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, and some ficus species. That does not mean they are automatically exempt in Davie. Your next step is to verify the exact species on the Town’s local list and confirm that removing it will not drop your property below code-required tree counts.
How to apply
If you need a permit, the process is straightforward:
- Gather the basics: your address and owner info, photos of the tree, species if known, trunk size (DBH) if available, and a simple sketch of where the tree sits on your lot.
- State your reason: hazard, disease, invasive species, or to accommodate a project like a pool or driveway.
- Submit the application: Town inspectors typically respond within about 24 to 48 hours for an initial review, according to the Town’s FAQ.
- Fee snapshot: the FAQ lists about $35 to remove or relocate up to two trees on an existing single-family lot. Confirm the current fee before you apply.
Hiring pros and pruning basics
For safety and compliance, the Town recommends using a licensed, insured tree company. In Broward County, tree trimmers must hold a current Broward County Tree Trimmer’s License. If you prune yourself, your cuts must follow ANSI A300 pruning standards. Topping, hat-racking, and other forms of “tree abuse” are prohibited in Davie. You can find these reminders in the Town’s permit FAQ.
Replacement and mitigation
Davie’s code sets clear replacement standards when trees are removed. In some cases, such as removals for development or removals done without a permit, the Town requires up to 150 percent DBH replacement. Minimum sizes apply to replacement trees, and species diversity rules help prevent monotony in new plantings.
- Replacement standards and sizes: see Code Section 12-156 for ratios, minimum caliper and height (for example, many canopy trees must be at least 2.5 inches caliper and roughly 12 to 14 feet tall), and palm or pine requirements.
- If your lot cannot fit the required replacements, the Town may approve off-site planting or a payment to the tree preservation fund. Details are in Section 12-156.
If you removed without a permit
Act quickly. Davie can require an after-the-fact permit, replacement at defined ratios, and remedial actions if a tree was abused or improperly removed. When the tree’s natural form is destroyed, you may be ordered to remove it and replace according to the code. The Town may give you a set timeline to complete corrective work, often within 60 days of notice, and can pursue fines through code enforcement if you do not comply. See Section 12-147 on remedial actions and Section 12-156 on replacement.
Prepping to sell in Davie
Tree compliance can affect your sale timeline and buyer confidence. Before listing, verify that any planned removals have permits and that your yard meets Davie’s minimum tree standards. If a buyer’s inspector or the Town flags a violation, you could face delays, added costs, or requests for credits.
As you plan your sale or a yard update, lean on clear documentation. Keep your permit approvals, inspector emails, and receipts for any replacement trees. This shows buyers that your property complies with Town rules.
Quick checklist before you cut
- Identify the species. If you think it is invasive, confirm it against the Town’s Section 12-152 list.
- Check code minimums. Make sure removal will not drop you below required tree counts or DBH totals.
- Apply if needed. Submit photos, a simple site sketch, and your reason for removal.
- Confirm timing and fees. Start early to allow for inspector review.
- Choose the right help. Hire a licensed, insured pro or prune per ANSI A300 standards.
- Plan replacements. If required, follow Section 12-156 for size, type, and diversity.
Ready to align your landscape plans with your move? Reach out to the Chad Bishop Group for local guidance woven into a smooth buying or selling experience.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Davie?
- In most cases yes; the Town requires a permit, with narrow exemptions for certain invasive or exotic species listed in Section 12-152, as explained in the Town’s FAQ.
Are invasive trees always permit-exempt in Davie?
- Not always; some listed invasive trees may be removed without a permit, but if removal drops your property below required tree counts or DBH, you will still need mitigation or replacement per the Town’s FAQ.
What does a tree removal permit cost in Davie?
- The FAQ notes about $35 for up to two trees on a single-family lot, including inspections; confirm the current fee with the Town.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Davie?
- The Town can require an after-the-fact permit, up to 150 percent DBH replacement, remedial actions, and possible fines under code enforcement; see Section 12-147 and Section 12-156.
Where can I find which species are considered invasive?
- Check Davie’s Section 12-152 list via the Town’s materials and consult statewide context with the Florida Invasive Species Council plant list, then confirm with a Town landscape inspector if you are unsure.
