St. Augustine's Urban Forest

Trees in the City of St. Augustine

According to the U. S. Forest Service urban forests include the trees in our yards, parks, public spaces and along our streets in cities which we reside. And although city landscapes aren't thought of as forests, trees provide similar benefits as forests, such as providing cleaner air and water. In addition to environmental benefits, trees can increase property values, reduce home energy costs, block UV radiation, buffer wind and noise, provide shade and most important for the City of St. Augustine, beautify our neighborhoods.

Trees improve the quality of life of cities by contributing not only to the aesthetic beauty but also environmental benefits.

The City of St. Augustine encourages the planting of trees as well as proper tree trimming and pruning and the removal of trees when warranted.

Removal of Trees

Section 25-56 of the City Code states that it is unlawful for any person directly or indirectly to cut down, destroy, remove or effectively destroy by damaging any tree in the city without first obtaining a permit.

This requirement shall apply to all trees 3 inches or larger in diameter at breast height. The cost of this permit is $20.00 and can be obtained from the City’s Planning and Building Department.

Of particular importance to the City of St. Augustine is the Southern Red Cedar. Southern Red Cedar trees larger than 2 feet in height or a trunk diameter of 1 inch at the point 3 inches above the ground may not be removed without a permit.

New Construction

For new construction, a tree survey is required and shall indicate all trees on the lot or lots, and the type and size of each tree. In addition, the footprint and roof eaves of any proposed new structure(s) shall be indicated on the survey.

For existing structures, bright orange tape will be provided to the applicant to indicate the tree or trees proposed to be removed. There is a space provided on the application to indicate a reason for the removal of a tree or trees.

Click here to view and print a copy of the Application for Tree Removal Permit.

Questions concerning tree removal in the City should be directed to 904.825.1060.

Joining Smokey Bear prior to the planting of 2010 Arbor Day tree planting from

(left to right) are Commissioner Don Crichlow, Mayor Joe Boles, Commissioner

Nancy Sikes-Kline, Vice Mayor Errol Jones, Gina Burrell, Chuck Lippi, Chairman

of the Street Tree Advisory Committee, Smoky Bear, Sally Ann Freeman, Greg Dunn,

Robin Nadeau and Carol Bennett, also members of the Street Tree Advisory Committee.

Tree City USA

The City of St. Augustine is in its 26th year of receiving the prized designation of Tree City USA from the National Arbor Day Foundation. There are 133 cities in the State of Florida which have received the designation of Tree City USA, but only 10 have received the designation longer than St. Augustine. In addition, the Foundation presented the city with the Tree City USA Growth Award, an honor it has received every year since 1991.

While National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, individual states hold ceremonies on dates better suited to their own tree-planting season. Florida’s Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January.

The site for the annual Arbor Day ceremony and the type of tree planted changes from year to year.

Over the last decade, ceremonies have included planting Holly, Live Oak, Red Maple and Sycamore trees at Sebastian Inland Harbor, Francis Field, Joseph Pomar, Jr. Recreational Facility, Eddie Vickers Recreational Facility, Government House, J. Edward “Red” Cox Recreational Facility, the Plaza de la Constitución and Davenport Park.

For a list of the trees planted in St. Augustine the past 27 years, click here.

Members of the Street Tree Advisory Committee are:

Frederick Halback, Chairman

Carol Bennett

Gina Burrell

Greg Dunn

Sally Ann Freeman

Chuck Lippi

Robin Nadeau

Gordon Wilson

Ex-Officio: Charlene Putz

For more information on the Tree Ordinance call Planning and Building Department at 904.825.1060.

For information on the Street Tree Advisory Committee, call the City Manager's office at 904.825.1006.

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