Improperly pruning trees before a storm can actually increase the possibility that they will break or fall more easily during the storm. The large amounts of fallen and damaged trees usually seen after a storm are a result of improper cutting or pruning of trees. People think that by doing this they will reduce the risk of destruction, but the fact is when a tree is improperly cut its branches are even more vulnerable to strong winds.

The new branch attachment becomes weak, making the tree more likely to break apart which can damage property. Miami-Dade County, other local organizations and experts recommend that you prepare several months prior to hurricane season by doing the following:

• If you must prune trees, do so during the tree species dormant season or during early Spring.
• Make sure the lawn care worker/tree trimmer is a certified arborist. Ask to see their registration/license and insurance. Get a quote in writing.
• Never “top” or “hatrack” any tree.  “Hatracking” is the term used for when a tree is cut or chopped so badly that it is left with few or no leaves on the branches (please see the following pictures of trees that have been hatracked).
• Do Not remove more than 25% of the tree canopy (the branches and leaves of the tree).
• Do Not cut the tree root system.
• Remove mainly the interior branches. This will thin the canopy of the tree and allow the winds to pass through it more easily.
• Make sure to correctly dispose of all tree cuttings since branches and stumps left out in the open can become projectiles during a storm.
• You can even schedule two bulky waste pickups from the Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM).  Solid Waste will collect up to 25 cubic yards of trash (1 truck load), twice per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). Additional pickups may be scheduled for $21.00 per cubic yard ($525.00 per truck load). Tree limbs must be no more than five feet in length. This service is not available to customers in the City of Sweetwater. For more information, please call the County’s Customer Service line at 3-1-1 or the Department of Solid Waste Management at 305-594-1500 / www.miamidade.gov/dswm.  Be sure to call with enough advance notice to ensure they are able to accommodate your pickup long before a storm arrives.

Other Helpful Tips

• Think Ahead when planting a new tree: avoid planting it near any wires, underground utilities, and buildings or in spots where it will be in danger of blowing over.
• Planting trees in a group or planting species with naturally deep root systems can help prevent trees from blowing down easily. (Call Sunshine State One for more info: 1-800-432-4770).
• Avoid planting delicate types of trees on sites where breakage will cause problems.
• During sidewalk restoration or excavation, avoid tearing or ripping the roots or try to keep root damage to a minimum.

If residents follow these easy tips, the impact from tree damage during a storm can be reduced. Remember: it is very important for residents not to over-prune trees. This ultimately weakens the new growth and creates a potentially more dangerous condition. It is a violation of Chapter 24 of the Miami-Dade County Code to hatrack or excessively prune trees.

A permit is required prior to removing or relocating trees. Many municipalities have additional regulations. Residents can obtain more information by calling 3-1-1 or DERM directly at 305-372-6574 or log on to www.miamidade.gov/derm.

Trees: Questions and Answers you should know

Is a permit required to remove, relocate, or trim my tree?

• A Miami-Dade Tree Removal or Relocation Permit is required by DERM's Urban Tree Program prior to removing / relocating any size tree from public lands, multifamily, businesses, commercial, agricultural, and swale properties.
• A Miami-Dade Tree Removal or Relocation Permit is required by DERM's Urban Tree Program prior to removing / relocating specimen size trees from the yards of single family homes. A specimen size tree is one with a trunk diameter of 18” or circumference of 56.5” when measured at 4 ½’ feet above the ground.  If more than one branch is present at 4 ½’, all branches must be measured and added together to determine if the tree is specimen size.
• A permit is not required to trim a tree, however trees must be trimmed in accordance with ANSI-A300 standards. Not more than 25% of leaves may be removed from each tree branch.

How do I find out specific information about DERM's Urban Tree Program?

On the Web at www.miamidade.gov/derm or by calling 305-372-6574 or 3-1-1
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Other agencies in Dade County are also involved with Trees & Landscaping --

• Where can I get more information on Pruning and Trees?
  See the University of Florida / Miami-Dade County Extension Service website at http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.html
• Who should I contact to request that a tree growing on swales / county property be trimmed and/or removed, or if I want to plant a tree on the swale adjacent to my property?
  The PWD RAAM Division at 305-270-1791
• Who should I contact if I would like to place a complaint about a hedge growing too tall?
  The Team Metro Office at 3-1-1 or 305-468-5900
• Who should I contact if I am concerned about trees growing into powerlines?
  Florida Power & Light at www.fpl.com or 1-800-Dial FPL
• Who should I contact for information pertaining to pests, diseases, or general plant & tree information?
  The UF Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Service’s Urban Horticulture Program at 205-248-3311 or http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu
• Do I have to check with any other agencies other than DERM in regards to tree removal on my property?
  Yes!  DERM enforces the tree preservation code, CH24-49 of the Code of Miami-Dade County.  And the Landscape Section of the Planning and Zoning Department enforces 18A of the Landscape Code. The phone number for the P&Z Department is 786-315-2650.  Some municipalities may have other regulations and requirements.  Community associations may also have additional requirements