Dunedin vs Safety Harbor
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Dunedin, FL and Safety Harbor, FL?
Dunedin and Safety Harbor have similar restriction levels.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin Code Section 105.35.5 designates 'Grand Trees' as the city's heritage trees, requiring permits and supervision by an Approved Arborist for canopy or root pruning, with strict removal limits.
View full Dunedin rules →Safety Harbor, FL
Pinellas County
Safety Harbor adopted its Grand Tree Ordinance on December 20, 2021, granting heightened protection to qualifying heritage species at least 26 inches DBH that meet a species-specific point-scoring threshold.
View full Safety Harbor rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | Safety Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Sec. 105.35.5 | - |
| Pruning supervisor | Approved Arborist required | - |
| Permit required | Yes, even for routine work | - |
| Removal standard | Hazard or unavoidable conflict | - |
| Designation | Largest specimens by species | - |
| Adopted | - | December 20, 2021 |
| Minimum DBH | - | 26 inches |
| Condition rating | - | 3.5 minimum |
| Live oak threshold | - | 145 qualifying points |
| Magnolia threshold | - | 120 qualifying points |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
What qualifies as a Grand Tree in Dunedin?
Grand Trees are exceptionally large or significant specimens designated under Section 105.35.5 based on species-specific size criteria measured at diameter breast height (DBH).
Can I prune my own Grand Tree?
No. Canopy and root pruning on Grand Trees must be performed by or supervised by an Approved Arborist, with a permit obtained from Dunedin Planning.
Safety Harbor FAQ
What qualifies as a Grand Tree in Safety Harbor?
A qualifying species (live oak, magnolia, cypress, hickory, cedar, elm, or pine) with at least 26-inch DBH, condition rating 3.5 or better, and minimum point score on the city scoring matrix.
Can a Grand Tree ever be removed?
Only in narrow cases such as imminent hazard, fatal disease, or where required for permitted construction with no feasible alternative, and only with arborist review and replacement.
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