MONROE COUNTY LAUNCHES ‘PRUNE WITH PURPOSE’ BROCHURE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY TREE PRUNING & COMPLIANCE WITH COUNTY CODE

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County recently launched “Prune with Purpose: Proper Pruning for Tree Health and Compliance,” an educational brochure designed to help homeowners and landscape professionals maintain tree health while complying with local regulations. The brochure is available in both English and Spanish at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/prune and provides essential guidance on responsible pruning practices that protect trees and preserve the natural beauty of our community.

“Proper pruning is crucial for tree health and resilience,” said Environmental Resources Special Projects Administrator Julie Cheon. “It encourages healthy growth, reduces the risk of branch failure, and improves a tree’s ability to withstand strong winds, while improper pruning can leave trees vulnerable to pests, disease, and structural failure, particularly in the face of hurricanes.”

To protect the County’s tree canopy, Monroe County Code Sec. 114-103 mandates that all major pruning adhere to the 2017 ANSI Tree Care Standards. Permits are required to remove any tree regardless of size or major pruning of any tree with a diameter of more than 6 inches at breast height (some exemptions apply for invasive and non-native species). Excessive or improper pruning, such as hat-racking or tree-topping, violates the code and may result in compliance action.

The “Prune with Purpose” brochure provides a clear breakdown of these requirements and offers practical advice on pruning practices to avoid, including:

  • Hat-racking or tree-topping
  • Making unnecessary cuts
  • Cutting into the branch collar
  • Lion’s tailing (stripping foliage from branches)
  • Removing more than 25% of a mature tree’s canopy in one season
  • Palm pruning guidelines

The “Prune with Purpose” brochure is available in print at Monroe County offices or on the website. For additional questions or to speak with a Monroe County biologist, call 305-289-2500.

Monroe County Environmental Resources Department is dedicated to fostering sustainable, quality development while conserving and promoting stewardship of the County’s fragile environment and the unique character of its diverse island communities.

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