Landscape trees not only make homes and communities more beautiful, they also improve our environment and can increase the value of a property up to 20 percent. Trees are invaluable assets that need to be enhanced and protected. Proper pruning is a worthwhile investment.
When a tree or part of a tree breaks, it can cause extensive damage to people and property. A preventive pruning program is important to minimize the risks. Preventive or structural pruning is a process that can help promote healthy, strong trees. Research studies suggest that pruning trees significantly reduces trunk movement and damage when exposed to 120 mph winds.
Because proper pruning is complicated, national standards have been developed for the best methods and safety. Any potentially hazardous activity associated with climbing trees, using power tools, and especially working near electric lines should be left to qualified professionals who follow the national tree safety standards.
A tree removal/relocation permit is not required for the selective pruning or trimming of trees, provided the pruning is done according to the most recent American National Standards (ANSI) A-300 Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations.
However, excessive pruning of more than 25 percent of the tree’s canopy (i.e. hat-racking, topping, etc.) and other activities (i.e. trunk girdling, excessive root cutting, use of tree-killing chemicals, etc.) constitutes a violation of Section 24-49 of the Code of Miami-Dade County.
Thinking about pruning/trimming your trees? Please hire only licensed and insured arborist that knows how to proper care and prune trees.