Pembroke Pines, FL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Swale tree species
- Must be canopy trees
- Substitute species
- Requires Director approval
- Root barriers
- Required where growth threatens infrastructure
- Swale groundcover/shrub height
- 2 ft maximum
- Swale tree upkeep
- Also governed by Chapter 52
Summary
Pembroke Pines requires swale, the parkway strip between sidewalk and street, trees to be canopy species, with the Planning and Economic Development Department Director approving any substitute where a canopy tree will not work. Root barriers go in when growth could damage nearby infrastructure, and swale groundcover, shrubs, and hedges stay under two feet.
(1) Swale trees shall consist of canopy trees. Alternative species may be utilized in lieu of canopy trees, as determined by the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee, in cases where canopy trees are not viable. The trees shall be planted to ensure that there is adequate root and canopy space upon maturity. Root barriers shall be installed, if, as determined by the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee, they shall be required to allow for future controlled growth. ... Ground covers, shrubs and hedges shall not exceed two feet in height when located within the swale. ... Trees located within swales shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 52 of the City of Pembroke Pines Code of Ordinances.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-61: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2056, passed 12-11-25).
Full Breakdown
662(A)(1) requires swale trees to consist of canopy trees, though the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee can approve an alternative species in cases where a canopy tree is not viable for that swale. Whatever gets planted, the code requires adequate root and canopy space at maturity, and the Director or designee can require a root barrier system to allow for future controlled growth near pavement or utilities. 662(A) directs that required trees on single-family and townhouse lots be located, where possible, in the front of the lot including the swale area. 655(C)(1)(g): no more than two feet in height, keeping sightlines open along the right-of-way. 662 and the swale-maintenance rules in Chapter 52.
Violations & Fines
Landscaping violations, including a swale planted with the wrong tree species or an unauthorized root barrier omission, are enforced under § 155.679, which ties back to the citywide general penalty in § 10.99: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Police officers, Code Compliance Officers, and city landscape personnel can also order swale planting work stopped until it matches the approved standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tree can I plant in the swale in front of my Pembroke Pines home?
Do I need a root barrier for a swale tree?
How tall can shrubs or groundcover be in the swale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pembroke Pines
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pembroke Pines to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle parkway planting.