Girdling Roots: Causes, Signs, Correction & Prevention

Trimworks Tree Service in Largo FL has been in business for 15 years and have seen their fair share of girdling roots. Girdling roots are roots that grow around or across the stem of other roots. As the roots and trunk of the tree grow the roots begin to choke or girdle the tree. Tissue in the trunk become compress making it harder for the tree to absorb nutrients leaving the tree susceptible to failure. Many times girdling roots go undetected because it is happening below the surface. And the symptoms are often mistaking for disorders associated with other stressors.  Girdling roots are usually not diagnosed until the problem reaches the surface and makes it a lot harder to correct and fix the problem roots.

What Causes roots to Girdle?

Girdling roots most often develop from container grown plants, poor planting techniques or poor choice in location of tree. Trees that are left in a container or pot too long start to become root bound.

(Root Bound: symptoms above the soil are hard to pinpoint and often look like symptoms of an under-watered plant. The plant may wilt quickly, may have yellow or brown leaves, especially near the bottom of the plant and may have stunted growth.) Which if not corrected while the tree is young will allow girdling roots to form later in the trees life. 

Girdling can occur when a tree is planted to deep or if mulch has been applied to high up the base of the trunk. Over time growth of the branches affected by the girdling will be slowed. As injury progresses, leaves will become smaller, a lighter shade of green and fewer leaves will be produced. Eventually the affected branches will begin to die back and fail. Death of the entire tree can occur in five to 20 years. No amount of watering, fertilizing, or pruning will correct this problem.

Another example is if the tree is planted in a NOT so ideal location, like a median, parking lot or large enclosed landscape bed. Many people do not realize that tree roots grow wide not straight down.  Trees need as much room on the ground as their canopies are wide.  A tree planted in a parking lot will eventually develop girdling roots because it is surrounded by impervious surfaces like asphalt or concrete which will also make the soil compacted below. Compacted soil makes it harder for the tree to absorb nutrients and exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Girdling roots begin to appear when the tree attempts to survive, the trees root system branches out in search of nutrients, only to be blocked by nearby structures and are forced to re-direct backward onto themselves, serving as a tourniquet –cutting off the nutrients such as water and minerals the tree was so desperately in search of.

What are some common signs of Girdling Roots?

Girdling roots are suspected if the trunk of the tree lacks flaring buttress roots. Girdling roots can usually be exposed by digging into the top few inches of soil on the side of the tree lacking a root flare. Use of an air spade by a certified arborist can expose roots without injuring them. 

• Common signs of girdling roots include the tree showing signs of dying off, starting at the top of the tree downward.

• The tree is late to produce leaves in the spring or the leaves are smaller than usual

• There are visible roots at the surface of the base of the tree

• There is no visible root flare at the base of the tree

• Yellowing of the leaves occur because the tree is not getting the required nutrients

Is there a way to Correct Girdling Roots?

You always want to make sure you consult with and hire a Certified Arborist, like Trimworks Tree Service in Largo, FL before attempting to correct girdling roots. If girdling roots are found by the Arborist they must be removed. A Chisel and air spade are usually used for this process. An Arborist will come in usually during the winter months and use an air spade to remove the dirt from around the girdled roots. Then he will selectively prune back the roots that are entangled. Careful selection is necessary because root pruning reduces the trees structural stability and reduces water and nutrient uptake.

If the inspection reveals a considerable amount of damage, the best action may be to remove the tree. Spending money on a weakened tree that dies can be an extremely frustrating experience. Correction of this problem is labor intensive, the costs and benefits should be weighed carefully prior to making any decisions. Removing a girdling root creates a wound, and if the wound is extensive more problems could arise. However, if nothing is done, the girdled -tree will likely decline further and eventually die. It could take up to 7 years for a tree to show its first signs of girdling and an additional 20 years to die from it.   Trimworks Tree Service has experienced and certified staff that specializes in Diseased, Un-structurally sound and Hazardous Tree Removals in Pinellas County.

How to Avoid Girdling Roots?

• Avoid over-mulching sometimes referred to as a mulch volcano

• Pick your planting site wisely give your tree plenty of room to grow up and out

• Use proper planting techniques

• Choose tree species wisely some trees are at higher risk of developing girdling roots Like: Maple, Crabapple, Cherry, and Pear trees

• Conducting an inspection of the tree during tree selection to verify the tree is not already root bound in the pot

Trimworks Tree Service in Largo, FL has been assisting clients with their tree needs for 15 years. We have experience in diagnosing and pruning girdling roots in the Pinellas County area. We have certified Arborist on staff to assist you in making the right decision regarding your trees. We are fully insured and equipped to get the job done right.

Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation. 727-289-1633

Bald Cypress Trees

BALD CYPRESS TREE: FLORIDA’S LARGEST NATIVE TREE

The Senator Tree

Bald cypress, a deciduous conifer (like the Larches), is native to wet areas of the lower and middle Mississippi Valley drainage basin, the South Atlantic, and the Gulf Costal states (especially Florida). The first scientific reference to the species was made in 1640. The name, “bald cypress” comes from their historical tendency to be among the first trees in the South to lose their leaves in the fall, and the last to bud in the spring, hence being “bald” longer than many other trees! This is particularly unusual considering that most conifers are evergreen, while bald cypresses are deciduous. Our knowledgably ISA Certified Arborists in Clearwater, FL and Pinellas County can help with removals and care of the Cypress trees on your property.

Their other nicknames come from the other characteristics of the tree. The term “Taxodium” is Greek for “yew-like” a group of trees prized for their hardwood. Other nicknames include “Gulf Cypress,” because of its location along the Gulf Coast, “Red Cypress,” “Yellow Cypress,” “White Cypress,” “Swamp Cypress” because of its preferred location in swampy floodplains regions and the “Southern Cypress” because of its distribution across the American southeast. Its northern most native range is the extreme southern tips of Indiana and Illinois, but this tree is extensively planted in dry areas throughout the Eastern United States, including Ohio, as an ornamental tree. Its pyramidal to spire-like growth is formal in youth, becoming more columnar and open with great age. This is the tree from which cypress mulch is made and the source trees (especially in Florida” are being rapidly depleted.

The wood of the bald cypress is valued for its water-resistance and is known as “pecky” or “Peggy” cypress in the lumber industry when it contains small, attractive holes caused by a fungus. The tree is grown as an ornamental for its colorful fall foliage, and can be cultivated far north of its native range. As a deciduous conifer, the leaves of bald cypress drop off in autumn, and its cones are round balls that release their seeds in autumn and winter. As a member of the bald cypress family it is also related to Dawn Redwood and Giant Redwood.

Bald cypresses are long-lived and slow-growing trees that regularly reach up to 600 years in age. Old trees are usually hollow. A young bald cypress is a symmetrical and pyramidal. As it matures, it develops a coarse, wide-spreading head. Its tapering trunk is usually 100 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. The reddish-brown bark weathers to an ashy gray. A tree growing in wet soil is strongly buttresses about the base and its horizontal roots often send conical woody projections called “knees” above the waterline.

Among tree service companies in Pinellas County and throughout Florida, the presumed function of the knees is still poorly understood: they may help oxygenate the roots, or provide support in the soft muddy soil. The flat, needle like leaves are arranged alternately in two ranks along small twigs. The trees are deciduous, though the leaves can persist year round in warm climates. The seed cones are green and globular and are typically no larger than 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) in diameter.

This stately conifer, native to the Midwest, often is found in groupings in parks and larger spaces, along street and around lakes. Unlike most cone-bearing trees, bald cypress loses its needles each winter and grows a new set in the spring. The russet-red fall color of its lacy needles is one of its outstanding characteristics. Hardy and tough, this tree will adapt to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, dry, or even swampy. It’s called the “wood eternal” because its heartwood is resistant to decay and used for construction, including docks, warehouses, boats, bridges, general millwork and interior trim.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TREE SERVICE IN PINELLAS COUNTY-Bald cypress actually prefers moist, acidic, sandy loam soils with moderately good drainage, but is often found in flooded situations or at the edge of bodies of water, with some of all if its roots submerged in water. It adapts readily to moist and well-drained soils, or even dry soils of rich, poor, or average composition, and can be completely “landlocked” with no ill effects. It thrives in full sun to partial sun and is found din zones 4 to 11.

BALD CYPRESS POTENTIAL PROBLEMS-Bal cypress has several diseases and pest that can cause problems, but these do not usually occur. Chlorosis can be a problem in high pH soils, but otherwise this is a trouble-free species.

The Bald Cypress is a very interesting and unique tree. Of all trees, it is perhaps the greatest known tolerance for flooding. No matter what stage of life it’s in, it is an impressive tree that will add curb appeal and bring value and beauty to any environment, whether planted as specimen or in the masses , Bald Cypress has a long been appreciated for it beauty, size and longevity. To learn more about tree services we offer, contact us by calling (727) 289-1633.

Invasive Plants

Invasive Plant Species Wreaking Havoc on our Ecosystem

Trimworks Tree Service, in Largo, FL has learned a thing or two about invasive species over the past 15 years in the Tree Removal Industry. Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to nature. They out-compete, displace or kill native species. Most require removal by a tree removal professional. Many of the plants were introduced accidentally, while other were planted with a purpose (that backfired). Either way these non-native species thrive and proliferate in our habitats.

Contrary to how it may seem, invasive plants are not all inherently evil. All plants possess a suite of traits that allow them to compete against the myriad forces of nature around them to survive, flourish and successfully reproduce. For Millennia, plants have developed these traits to battle it out for dominance, or at least inclusion in the landscape. Competing for resources while surviving predation, weather events and other environmental pressures, like fungi, pathogens and diseases. Trimworks Tree Service employees are knowledgeable ISA Certified Arborist in Clearwater, FL are available to assist you in removing these invasive plants.

Amidst the silent assault, only a small proportion of attempted procreation will actually succeed. Left unfettered of the competitive conditions in which they evolve, many plants would demonstrate the invasive qualities we find malicious. But among these conditions populations remain in balance. Invasive plants have an impact on our water quality, biodiversity, fish and wildlife habitats. As a trusted tree service in Pinellas County, we can help you understand what types of invasive species you have on your property and what the best course of action is to protect your home and other plants.

Plants with an invasive nature outside of their historical range tend to have a common set of traits which help them tolerate a broader range of environmental conditions. They are usually early successional plants (meaning they are plants that thrive in the sometimes harsh conditions), well equipped for rapid growth and efficient in reproducing to effectively colonize an area.

Whether it is predators, disease, or healthy competition by other plants, in native ecosystems there are usually some form of regulations on growth or checks on reproductions of individual species. Without this control, invasive plants continue to prosper unabatedly, while native plants are at the mercy of the herbivores, fungus and stricter environmental requirements they have co-evolved. To keep these invasive species in check they must be irradiated from your landscape. Most invasive species have to be dug completely out of your landscape. Leaving behind one root could allow the plant to return and flourish all over again. That is why it is best to let the professional handle removal of all invasive species. 

We have complied a list of some of the Invasive Plant Species wreaking havoc on our ecosystem.

BITTERSWEET

There are three “bittersweets,” and it is important to distinguish between them: Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) and bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). It is the Oriental bittersweet vine that is sure to make most list of worst invasive plants in North American. The other forms can also be invasive, but are less so than Oriental bittersweet. American bittersweet is the form with attractive red/orange berries that are often used in decorative displays. All forms of the plant are toxic and should be avoided in the landscape.

WISTERIA

As with bittersweet so with wisteria: The North American grower must distinguish between American wisteria vines (Wisteria frutescens) and their Chinese counterparts (Wisteria sinensisvar) While both types are robust grower. It is the Chinese wisteria that poses a truly invasive danger to the south of USDA hardiness zone 4.

ENGLISH IVY

If you wished to crowd out wees in an area of you landscape, you would expect to be delighted to hear about English Ivy (Hedera helix). A vigorous, attractive ground cover that tolerates shade. That description fits English ivy perfectly. But that’s the problem we’ve seen as a trusted tree service in Large, FL: English Ivy is too vigorous, earning it a spot on the list of worst invasive plants. It easily escapes landscape cultivation and is regarded as a serious problematic invasive, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

SWEET AUTUMN CLEMATIS

Like the preceding three vines, Sweet Autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) is another of those “good-looking” specimens that can overwhelm a landscape. It is especially problematic in the East and lower Midwest. While this plant does have a very sweet odor, that is the only thing pleasant about it. Clematis paniculata is sometimes sold as sweet autumn clematis, but this is a less invasive vine that comes from New Zealand. It is a Clematis terniflora that you need to be careful with.

AJUGA

The mat-forming Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), also known as bugleweed is another popular ground cover that can turn thuggish (lily-of-the-valley is another). Because Ajuga has pleasing purple blossoms and the ability to suppress weeds, it is often planted in the shady areas as a ground cover. Many homeowners come to despise it when it begins to take over a garden or lawn. They almost always request removal. Ajuga is especially problematic in warmer climates where this is no winter frost to kill the plants back annually.

BARBERRY

The Barberry shrubs (Berberis spp.) have assaulted North America from two sides. One type, Berberis thunbergii, is from the Far East; the other Berberis vulgaris, from Europe. These invaders have come armed to the teeth, bristling with the thorns that have made them so useful in many a hedge. B. thunbergii usually known as Japanese barberry, is so invasive that much of the Midwest has placed it on the list of dangerously invasive plants, strongly suggesting that it should never be planted at all.

BURNING BUSH

In autumn, burning bush (Euonymus alatus) puts on a show for the ages, bearing red or pinkish-red leaves. Colorful reddish-orange berries accompany the striking foliage. So why is burning bush one of the most hated exotic plants among gardeners “in the know?” This shrub is considered dangerously invasive across much of the northern US from Maine to Minnesota, as well as in the Southeast.

LANTANA

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to tropical areas, and it is a notable invasive in Florida and Georgia, and across the south to California. But it poses no danger in colder climates north of zone 9, where it is often used in hanging baskets. In warm zones however, it can easily escape gardens and naturalize in dangerous profusion.

BUTTERFLY BUSH

Butterfly bush (Buddleja spp.) is among the worst invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, where growing conditions resemble its native habitat. It’s also an invasive problem in areas of the Southeast. In areas colder than zone 6, it is less problematic, since the plant dies back to the ground each winter. An alternative plant to grow for attracting butterflies is butterfly weed (Saclepias tuberosa). Butterfly bush is so named because it attracts butterflies (as well as other pollinators), but to humans, the plant is somewhat unpleasant in odor.

COMMON PRIVET

As with barberry, a privet hedge is a familiar sight. That very familiarity of privet (Ligustrum vulgare) may make it difficult to see such exotic plants as invasive, but this species is on the official list of problematic plants in much of the Midwest and Northeast, from Pennsylvania north to Maine. Privet’s popularity is based on the fact that it responds well to pruning and tolerates the pollution that typically plagues plants in urban settings. But privet shrubs grow so fast that they can easily escape the boundaries of cultivation and become naturalized in the wild.

NORWAY MAPLE TREES

Full-sized trees can be invasive too. As in the case of the Norway maple (Acer platanoides), which is considered invasive in much of the Northeast, and dangerously so in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Originally planted as a landscape species, its seeds easily disperse in the wind to naturalize in other environments. If you are considering tree removal in Pinellas County, we can help you understand what an invasive species is and what the best course of action is for the trees on your property.

JAPANESE KNOTWEED

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a perennial clumping plant that has virtually no redeeming landscape value. The best that can be said for its appearance is that it produces a fluffy-looking flower in early autumn (thus one of its alternate common names, “Fleece Flower”). The opinions of the 19th century plant collectors notwithstanding, most 21st century Westerners agree on this one: Japanese knotweed is an ugly nuisance, and an easy pick as one of the worst invasive plants. It is considered invasive in every state, though more so in its natural hardiness zones 5-9.

KUDZU

Kudzu vine is in the pea family. So far, so good, right? After all, we are all familiar with peas from our experience at the dinner table, why would we think about needing to remove this plant? Along those lines, kudzo has even been employed as livestock feed. But this perennial vine from Asia is one of the very worst invasive species of all time. It is sometimes called “the vine that ate the south” It is enormous problem in all southern states. Initially planted to shade porches on the southern plantations, the plant quickly spread to surrounding territory, where it now gobbles up nearly all that it touches. It grows well in both sun and shade and is dangerously invasive throughout the South and Southeast as well as the Atlantic seaboard. A recent control effort involved bringing goats into the area infested with kudzo and turning them loose to wat their fill.

TANSY

Tansy, unlike the exotic plants considered above on this invasive species list, is an herb-albeit a poisonous one. Tansy’s toxicity belies a rich traditions of medicinal and culinary usage. But there’s more to worry about than just it toxicity: Tansy plants are invasive and spread via both seeds and rhizomes.

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE

Purple loosestrife is an invader of wetlands. Many people who have no clue about the name of the plant have nonetheless seen it innumerable time and remarked upon its beauty. In fact, it is a lovely plant when massed together-which is the norm, since this is a plant that spreads incredibly vigorously. Purple loosestrife is thought to arrive in North America as seeds in soil used as ballast in sailing ships in the early 19th Century. Now, 200 years later, it is found in every state in the U.S., except Hawaii and Alaska. The plants take over wetlands by forming dense root mats that choke out native plants, degrading wildlife habitat. Since 1992, the America and Canadian governments have used two European beetles, Galerucella calmariensis and Galerucella pusilla, to feed on the plant-an experiment that appears to be successful.

JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is another attractive, sweet smelling specimen that turns out to be a sinister foe. This vigorous, fast growing twinning vine has fragrant yellow flowers that appear from June-October and it grows to 30 feet. When planted deliberately it is used as a ground cover, but it is considered an exotic invasive across the entire Midwest.

Many plants labeled as invasive have qualities that allow them to colonize and disturbed areas easily. Before investing energy and resources into invasive species management such as tree removal and tree service, consider how you can best apply control to the forced that are creating, allowing, or encouraging the invasion to take place. It is also important to weight the effects of the invasion and the effects of the management practices afterward.

We are a full service tree removal company in Largo that will help you make an informed decision about trees and plants on your property. To learn more about the tree services we offer in Largo, contact us at (727) 289-1633.

Different Types of Oak Trees Native to Florida

Different Types of Oak Trees Native to Florida

Globally, there are about 600 Quercus Oak tree species. About 26 different oaks grow in Florida and are either white or red oaks. A third category, intermediate oaks does not occur here naturally in Florida. The difference in oak trees can be seen in the overall mature height and spread size, as well as the leaves, flower style and acorns by the inside of the acorns shell and taste of the acorn. Acorns are an important wildlife food source. As a trusted tree service in Pinellas County, we can help with your Oak tree service and removal needs.

They are a widespread feature in most forest locations in the North and Central Florida. Oaks are part of the family of Fagaceae, which includes chinkapins and chestnuts. Many oak species are of economic importance, sold as ornamentals, hardwood timber and a source of tannins, dyes and corks. Some oaks species exhibit fall color while others remain green throughout the year. Given the proper site to develop, oaks will grow to provide shade relatively quickly and are a recommended landscape tree by many landscape architects, and Arborist.

We have complied a list of different types of Oak Trees native to Florida. If you have any questions about tree services in Largo, contact us today 727-289-1633.

BLACK OAK (QUERCUS VELUTINA)

Reaching as high as 85 feet, black oaks can have truck diameters between 3 and 4 feet.

BLUEJACK OAK (QUERCUS MARILANDICA)

Small but strong, Bluejack oaks typically don’t grow higher than 50 feet. Usually they are between 20 and 30 feet when they are growing in North Florida.

BLUFF OAK (QUERCUS AUSTRINA)

Bluff oaks are typically found on the riverside bluffs in rich, moist soils. They produce oval-shaped acorns, unlike most other acorns you will see in our North Florida timberlands.

CHAPMAN OAK (QUERCUS CHAPMANII)

Chapman oak trees can grow up to 50 feet high and have diameters of more than 12 inches, but usually do not get that large in Florida.

CHINKAPIN OAK (QUERCUS MUEHLENBERGII)

Chinkapin oak trees are not usually found on the coastal plains, but inland. They are very good at reaching heights between 60-80 feet with a 36 inch diameter.

LAUREL OAK (QUERCUS LAURIFOLIA)

Typically growing up to 60 feet, Laurel Oaks are usually very thick with trunk diameters of 3-4 feet. Laurel Oaks are very typical for Pinellas County. They are very weak structured trees and tend to snap, or break easily.

LIVE OAK (QUERCUS VIRGINIANA)

Live oak trees tend to grow in heights of 40-50 feet. Their massive trunk diameters can reach 48 inches across, making them ideal for timber. They retain their leaves until the new leaves appear, making them an “evergreen”. They are strong and long lived. Trimworks Tree Service highly recommends Live Oaks for replanting.

MYRTLE OAK (QUERCUS MYRTIFOLIA)

Myrtle oak trees are common along seashores, where they rarely grown over 35 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 to 8 inches.

OVERCUP OAK (QUERCUS LYATA)

Some Overcups can grow to heights of 100 feet, but in Florida they are typically much shorter.

POST OAK (QUERCUS STELLATA)

Post oak trees can grow up to 50 feet high, but they are typically shorter when they grow in Florida. They prefer dry, sandy soils or rocky slopes. Although they can also appear in rich bottom lands.

SHUMARD OAK (QUERCUS SHUMARDII)

Large and beautiful, Shumard oaks can reach up to 125 feet in height. They do their best in deep, rich bottomlands near streams and on riverbanks.

SOUTHERN RED OAK (QUERCUS FALCATA)

Southern red oak trees can grow as tall as 70 to 80 feet. They typically have trunk diameters of 2 to 3 feet. They are exceptionally well-suited to dry, infertile soil.

SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK (QUERCUS MICHAUXII)

Growing up to 80 feet, the swamp chestnut oak grows well in moist, bottomland soils that are periodically flooded in North Florida.

TURKEY OAK (QUERCUS LAEVIS)

Turkey oaks trees are rather small. They grow to reach heights of only 30 to 40 feet with a thin trunk diameter.

WATER OAKS (QUERCUS NIGRA)

Water oaks trees are tall but slim. Reaching as high as 70 feet with a typical diameter of only 2 to 3 feet.

WHITE OAK (QUERCUS ALBA)

White oaks, which are ideal for timber, typically grow between 60 to 70 feet high.

WILLOW OAK (QUERCUS PHELLOS)

Some of the largest oaks in the state are Willow Oaks. They can reach heights of 80 to 130 feet when fully mature. Trunks are generally between 3 to 6 feet think. They prefer rich, moist soil found in the bottomlands along the swamps or near streams.

CONCLUSION

Growing in different ecosystems, Florida’s oak species have different growth habits, mature sizes, leaves, acorns and flowers. Some species of oaks have a broad range of mature leaf shapes. If you have questions about Tree Removal in Largo, contact us at (727)-289-1633.

Sable Palm Tree - Learn About Tree Removal in Largo

Safe Tree Removal for Sable Palm Trees

Thе Sabal Palm, also known as the Cabbage Palm Florida State Tree іѕ a medium-sized, slow-growing palm thаt іѕ nаtіvе tо thе ѕоuthеаѕtеrn US аnd Wеѕt Bаhаmаѕ. Thеу аrе tоugh, vеrѕаtіlе аnd help tо brіng a slice оf paradise into your уаrd! However, in some cases the Sabal Palm can be a nuisance for homeowners when it outgrows its planned size or is rotting, diseased or decayed.

If you are needing tree removal in Largo, contact Trimworks Tree Service by calling (727) 289-1633 for a free consultation. We can also help with installation of trees, tree trimming, tree removal and several other tree services in Largo and Pinellas County.

State Regulations for Tree Removal

When considering removing a sable palm tree on your property, it is important to know the layers of governance surrounding the state tree. This means that tree removal in Pinellas County, Hillsborough and surrounding municipalities requires a permit to avoid hefty fines or legal action.
At Trimworks Tree Service in Largo FL, we help you navigate the permitting process and ensure that you understand the regulations in your county. We are happy to answer any questions you have on the removal process to keep you informed with the legal requirements. Don’t trust anyone who tells you that a permit is not needed for sable palm tree removal as you could face repercussions from your local homeowners association, city or county government.

If you are located in Pinellas County, you are required to apply for a tree removal permit for both residential and commercial properties. Even if Florida state law allows for removal on private property, you still may need to get permission from the city or municipal area. Ask our Clearwater arborist team to help you with the permitting process, as we care about keeping you in compliance with regulations for tree removal.

Learn More about the Sable Palm Tree

When fіrѕt рlаntеd, the Sаbаl Pаlm lооkѕ like unique trее fronds grоwіng straight uр frоm thе ground, аnd аѕ іt mаturеѕ, thеу grow with robust сurvеѕ аnd сhаrасtеr. In Florida, they are commonly planted along the ѕtrееt, on thе patio оr terrace, аnd around ѕwіmmіng pools and ѕраѕ.  Their trunk and fronds casts a dіѕtіnсtіvе shadow оf fіltеrеd ѕhаdе, and the plant is known for its drought tolerance and beautiful fronds.

Growing uр tо heights оf 40 fееt at maturity, thе ѕаbаl palm has a single, unbrаnсhіng trunk with a mighty сrоwn оf pointed fronds at the top. Thе frоndѕ grow frоm a ѕіnglе, tеndеr bud, рrоtесtеd іn the сrіѕѕсrоѕѕ раttеrn оf lеаf “bооtѕ” thаt wе tурісаllу ѕее іn thе саbbаgе раlm. Thіѕ bud, оr “heart,” is what gives the ѕаbаl palm іtѕ “саbbаgе раlm” аlіаѕ. Historically, Sеmіnоlе Indіаnѕ and Florida natives harvested the bud. It was рrераrеd іn a trаdіtіоnаl dіѕh ѕіmіlаr to ѕtеwеd саbbаgе wіth fаtbасk, саllеd “ѕwаmр cabbage.”

Sable Palmetto Recognized as the Florida State Tree

In 1953, thе Flоrіdа lеgіѕlаturе determined the Sаbаl раlmеttо оr cabbage palm tо bе thе Flоrіdа ѕtаtе tree. Bу 1970, thе sabal palm rерlасеd thе сосоа раlm оn thе official ѕtаtе seal. As a fаѕсіnаtіng, uѕеful аnd surprisingly ѕturdу tree, thе ѕаbаl раlm deserves a lot оf rеѕресt аnd hоnоr as the state trее. This also explains why it is protected under state law, where homeowners and businesses are responsible for obtaining a permit prior to removal.

Ovеr thе уеаrѕ, it hаѕ gіvеn food аnd ѕhеltеr, and tоdау thе ѕаbаl раlm ѕtаndѕ аѕ a rесоgnіzаblе еmblеm for the beauty оf wіld Flоrіdа. The trunkѕ аrе uѕеd for whаrf pilings, dосkѕ, аnd poles. Bruѕhеѕ and whisk brооmѕ are mаdе frоm уоung lеаfѕtаlk fіbеrѕ, аnd bаѕkеtѕ аnd hats from thе leaf blаdеѕ.

The bооt, оr the bаѕе оf the frond ѕtіll attached tо thе trunk, denotes a уоung sabal palm. When the trees are mаturе, аnd their ѕtеm іѕ thісk еnоugh, thе boots dіѕарреаr, аnd the trunk ѕmооthеѕ out. In Flоrіdа lоrе, thеѕе frond bаѕе рrоtruѕіоnѕ саmе to bе knоwn аѕ bооtѕ bу Sраnіѕh Cоnԛuіѕtаdоrѕ whо uѕеd them in place оf ѕhоеhоrnѕ. As another story gоеѕ, thе U.S. Armу hung their bооtѕ оn them during thе Sеmіnоlе Wars tо kеер ѕnаkеѕ аnd other сrіttеrѕ frоm crawling in thеіr ѕhоеѕ аt nіght.

Thеіr аdарtаbіlіtу tо a wide range оf environments аnd their аbіlіtу to аdарt tо mоѕt tуреѕ оf soils mаkеѕ thеm аn еxсеllеnt choice for our аrеа. Super vеrѕаtіlе аnd соld hаrdу, Sаbаl раlmеttоѕ аrе еаѕу tо grow аnd lоvе thе full ѕun. If уоu drеаd рrunіng and mаіntаіnіng раlmѕ, you’ll be hарру tо knоw thаt саbbаgе раlmѕ hаvе vеrу lіttlе mаіntеnаnсе аnd рrunіng requirements. Alѕо, once еѕtаblіѕhеd thеѕе раlmѕ can tоlеrаtе drought, standing water, аnd brасkіѕh wаtеr.

Florida Law Requires a Permit for Removal of Sable Palms

Rеѕіdеntѕ in Pinellas County and throughout the state of Florida muѕt hаvе a tree rеmоvаl permit tо rеmоvе certain species of trееѕ including the ѕаbal раlm trее, while other іnvаѕіvе ѕресіеѕ саn be rеmоvеd wіthоut a problem. Bеfоrе removing a trее wіthіn the Cіtу, consult with a licensed tree removal service in Largo tо сhесk if a permit is needed.

We make sure you are not getting fined for unlawful tree removal. Don’t be deceived by companies who offer to get rid of the tree without obtaining a permit. Call us first to learn about the process for tree removal in Largo FL and surrounding areas.

Clearwater Arborist Professionals

Our ISA certified professionals have еxtеnѕіvе knowledge about аll types of раlm trееѕ аnd will ensure that уоu gеt thе rеquіrеd trее removal реrmіt. If any company says they can do it without a permit, they are lying and you as the property owner will be fined.

As a trusted tree service in Largo FL, wе inspect уоur trees tо assess whether tree removal is necessary. Bу utilizing our ѕtаtе оf thе аrt equipment, expert сlіmbіng ѕkіllѕ, аnd extensive еxреrіеnсе wе mаkе еvеn thе toughest jobs look easy. If уоu hаvе diseased оr dуіng trееѕ, wе саn also help уоu оut. We have thе expertise аnd equірmеnt to mоvе — dереndіng оn ѕіzе — аnd rеmоvе palm trееѕ to mееt уоur nееdѕ.

Wе provide соmрrеhеnѕіvе аrbоrіѕt and trее ѕеrvісеѕ; as a trusted removal and care service in Pinellas County, оur team has hеlреd many соmmеrсіаl аnd rеѕіdеntіаl сuѕtоmеrѕ. Our ѕресіаlіѕtѕ аrе thoughtful, honest and hаrdwоrkіng. Trее rеmоvаl іѕ a dangerous tаѕk аnd іѕ bеѕt left to trаіnеd and insured рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ. If you nееd a tree rеmоvеd ѕаfеlу аnd еffісіеntlу, саll on us to assist with your arborist needs.

Our team completes regular training classes in Aerial Rescue which is critical in reducing the risk of damage to your home or property. We are knowledgeable about the Sabal Palm species and can advise you whether removal is absolutely necessary. Contact us to learn more about the tree removal services we provide.