Heritage & Protected Trees: Pinellas Park vs St. Petersburg
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Pinellas Park gives heightened protection to large 'grand' or 'specimen' trees, requiring extra review before removal. Grand trees are typically those 30 inches DBH or larger of protected species under Article 4 of the LDC.
View full Pinellas Park rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg designates Grand Trees as any protected tree 30 inches DBH or larger (except Laurel Oaks) under Section 16.40.060.5, requiring permits for removal and major pruning.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pinellas Park | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Grand tree threshold | 30 inches DBH | - |
| Excluded species | Laurel oaks excluded | Laurel Oak |
| Code reference | LDC Article 4 | - |
| Replacement ratio | Inch-for-inch or higher | - |
| Approval authority | Community Development Dept. | - |
| Grand Tree size | - | 30 inches DBH |
| Major pruning | - | 8 inch branches need permit |
| Authority | - | City Urban Forestry |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pinellas Park FAQ
What qualifies as a grand or heritage tree in Pinellas Park?
Trees 30 inches or larger DBH of protected species are typically classified as grand trees, receiving heightened protection consistent with Pinellas County's grand tree standard.
Can I remove a grand tree if it threatens my house?
Yes, but you must apply for a removal permit with arborist documentation showing the tree is hazardous or causing structural damage. Replacement is generally required.
What replacement is required for a grand tree?
Replacement is typically calculated on an inch-for-inch or greater basis using species from Pinellas Park's approved list, or a payment to the tree mitigation fund.
St. Petersburg FAQ
What qualifies as a Grand Tree in St. Petersburg?
A Grand Tree is any protected tree 30 inches DBH or larger, with Laurel Oaks excluded. Grand Trees receive heightened protection and require permits for removal and most major pruning.
Can I prune a Grand Tree on my own property in St. Pete?
Light maintenance pruning is generally allowed, but cutting any branch 8 inches or larger in diameter on a Grand Tree requires a permit through City Urban Forestry first.
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