Dunedin allows routine maintenance trimming of most protected trees without a permit, but Grand Trees and any pruning that removes over 25 percent of canopy require permits and an Approved Arborist.
Under Chapter 105 of Dunedin's Land Development Code, normal trimming of a protected tree is exempt from permitting if it does not result in mutilation, death, or removal. Topping, hat-racking, or removing more than 25 percent of leaf canopy is prohibited without a tree permit. Any canopy pruning or root pruning of a Grand Tree, defined as 30 inches DBH or greater except Laurel Oaks, must be performed by or under the direct supervision of an Approved Arborist on the city list. Improper pruning that kills the tree is treated as unpermitted removal and triggers replacement obligations.
Citations for excessive pruning, replacement-tree mandates, daily fines, and liability for removal if pruning causes the tree to die.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle tree trimming.
See how Dunedin's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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