Heritage & Protected Trees: St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs have similar restriction levels.
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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Article IX of the Tarpon Springs Land Development Code grants special status to native and signature trees. Mangroves, Sabal Palms, and Cabbage Palms are protected at any size, and large specimen trees face strict review before removal.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Tree size | 30 inches DBH | - |
| Excluded species | Laurel Oak | - |
| Major pruning | 8 inch branches need permit | - |
| Authority | City Urban Forestry | - |
| Protected always | - | Mangroves, Sabal & Cabbage Palms |
| Code reference | - | Article IX, Section 133 |
| Threshold | - | 4-inch DBH minimum |
| Mangrove law | - | FL state mangrove act applies |
| Permit standard | - | Dead, diseased, hazardous |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Does Tarpon Springs have a heritage tree designation?
Not by name, but Article IX gives blanket protection to mangroves, Sabal Palms, and Cabbage Palms, and elevates review for any large specimen tree at 4-inch DBH or larger.
Can I remove a large oak that drops branches?
Only with a permit. Submit an application with arborist documentation showing the oak is hazardous, dead, or diseased; otherwise a removal will be denied or require enhanced replacement.
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