Professional Mangrove Trimmers
At Trimworks, our professional mangrove trimmers service the state of Florida, including Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Pasco County. Our tree experts are ISA certified and licensed to care for your tree services needs. We also handle the permitting process, so you don’t need to worry about fines for violating Florida regulations.
Florida’s Mangrove Treasures
Mangroves are one of Florida’s true natives. They are mostly found along the waterways, provide habitats for fish and birds, and protect homes from erosion. You can recognize them, especially in the Everglades and Keys, by their dense, tangled roots that pop up out of the water. Mangroves are tropical plants with more than 50 species found worldwide. Florida is home to three species of native mangroves: Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) and White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Mangroves in Florida are restricted to the calm intertidal areas of the state where temperatures do not usually drop below freezing for prolonged periods. They generally exist south of St. Augustine on the east coast, and from Cedar Key south on the West Coast.
How Mangroves Contribute to the Florida Economy
Through a combination of the following functions, mangroves contribute significantly to the economy of many coastal counties of Florida and the State of Florida. Four major factors appear to limit the distribution of mangroves: climate, salt water, tidal fluctuation and soil type. Mangroves trap and cycle various organic materials, chemical elements, and important nutrients in the coastal ecosystem. They provide one of the basic food chain resources for marine organisms.
Mangroves also provide physical habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms, many of which have important recreational or commercial value. Many Florida birds use the Mangrove trees as roosting and nesting sites. Mangroves serve as storm buffers by reducing wind and wave action in shallow shoreline areas, assist in protecting water quality and clarity by filtering runoff and trapping sediments and debris from adjacent uplands.
Mangroves and the Property Owner
Due to the rapid growth of mangroves and the potential dense thickets, many property owners choose to cut their mangroves to improve the view of the water. While this may maximize the view, if not done correctly could cause unintentional harm and/or killing of the mangroves. Because of the environmental benefits and the potential harm of unregulated trimming, the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act of 1996 was developed to protect and control the trimming and alteration of mangroves state-wide.
The Act of 1996 created very specific guidelines which are regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Requirements include a either a General Permit (GP) or an Individual Permit (IP), unless the activity qualifies for one or more of the mangrove trimming exemptions for homeowners. Contact a Certified Arborist in Pinellas County with mangrove expertise who will ensure compliance with environmental agencies when trimming or removing mangroves. It is important that the homeowner be informed regarding what can and cannot be trimmed, removed or mitigated.
Rules for Trimming of Mangroves in Pinellas County
Since Florida has lost 86% of its mangroves since the 1940s, legislation has taken action to make sure the endangered tree population is protected. The Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, enacted in 1996, sets regulations on how these trees can be maintained. Here are some of the highlights:
The mangrove must be on the land you own
Trees cannot be trimmed lower than 6 feet in height
Cannot remove the tree without a permit
If the tree is more than 10 feet tall, hire a Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT)
Extremely tall trees must be trimmed in stages to prevent death
Trimming Techniques
Mangrove trimming could be the equivalent of learning how to trim a bonsai tree but on a much larger scale. As previously stated, cutting down branches from the tree should be done in stages. One style of trimming is referred to as “windowing.” Removing the lower and central branches of the mangrove (creating a ‘window’) allows a view from beneath the canopy. This kind of trim allows the roots to continue to hold the shoreline together, prevent erosion and provide privacy if you have a second-story window.
Another technique referred to as “hedging” is similar to how you would trim a bush in your yard. The top of the mangrove’s canopy is trimmed so that it is aesthetically rounded off and is pleasing to the eye. It creates an easy view above the tree and keeps your coastline vista looking tidy.
Maintaining your mangroves should not be a daunting task. If you have any questions regarding the treatment of one of Florida’s native plants, contact your local Florida Department of Environmental Protection. When in doubt, call a professional. A Professional Mangrove Trimmer will keep your plants healthy and out of trouble. Call us today to schedule your consultation 727-289-1633.
We service the following communities: Mangrove Trimming in Pinellas County, Mangrove Trimming in Seminole, Mangrove Trimming in Clearwater, Mangrove Trimming in Bellaire, Mangrove Trimming in Seminole, Mangrove Trimming in Largo, Mangrove Trimming in St. Petersburg and Mangrove Trimming in Pinellas Park.
At Trimworks, we are dedicated to the health of your property and can assist with the permitting process to ensure you stay within Florida regulations. Our professional mangrove trimmers in Largo are ISA certified and insured to handle all of your arborist needs. Contact us or call (727) 289-1633 to schedule a consultation with Trimworks Tree Service in Largo FL.