Boca Raton, Florida
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Boca Raton
Boca Raton's vegetation code, Chapter 27, does not apply to trees within the property lines of single-family homes, owner-occupied two-family homes or the enclosed courtyards of multifamily townhomes. Owners there need no city permit to remove or modify trees. Work in the city's right-of-way, and on commercial and other properties, is a different matter.
- County
- Palm Beach
- Tree rules
- Boca Raton City Code Chapter 27, Vegetation; Engineering right-of-way permits
- Key local rule
- No city tree permit within single-family and owner-occupied two-family lots; right-of-way work needs a permit
- Electric utility
- Florida Power & Light
- Main hazards
- Hurricanes, palms over pools, invasive trees, salt near the coast
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my Boca Raton yard?
Not from the city, if you live in a single-family home, an owner-occupied two-family home or a townhome's enclosed courtyard. The city's FAQ states that no permit is required for tree or landscape removal or modification in those areas. HOA rules, which are common in Boca Raton, may still require approval.
- Single-family lot
- No city permit.
- Right-of-way
- Engineering permit for any landscape work.
- HOAs
- Many communities have their own approval process.
Signs worth attention before storm season
Coconuts and dead fronds
Projectiles in hurricanes.
Palms leaning toward the house
Soil or root problems.
Ficus roots lifting pavers
Root conflicts near structures.
Overgrown hedges against walls
Moisture and pest issues.
Common Boca Raton trees
- Royal and coconut palms
- Tall palms over pools and patios.
- Live oaks
- Planted in many communities.
- Gumbo limbo and sea grape
- Natives near the coast.
- Ficus
- Hedges and trees with aggressive roots.
- Australian pine
- Invasive, shallow-rooted, storm-prone.
- Black olive
- A common shade tree that drops staining sap and catches wind in dense crowns.
Where city rules do apply
Chapter 27 applies to commercial, multifamily and other properties outside the residential exemption, and to development. Any change to landscaping within the city-owned right-of-way, including swale trees, must be done under an Engineering right-of-way permit.
The city has debated specific trees over the years, including a group of Australian pines along the coast that council members chose to keep and have tidied rather than removed.
For homes in planned communities, which cover much of the city west of I-95, the association's landscape standards often specify approved replacement species and may require architectural review even for dead trees.
Before removing a tree in Boca
Check your property type
Single-family exemption or not.
Check HOA rules
Architectural approval in many communities.
Check the right-of-way
Swale trees need a city permit.
Plan the work
Palms over pools need careful rigging.
City rules and HOA rules
City of Boca Raton
- No permit for single-family yards
- Right-of-way permit for swale trees
- Chapter 27 for other properties
Homeowners associations
- May require approval for any removal
- May set replacement species
- Private covenants, enforced by the association
In Boca Raton, the HOA is often the stricter rulebook. Read your covenants before scheduling removal.
Boca Raton tree questions
Does Palm Beach County regulate trees in Boca Raton?
Within city limits, the city's code applies. Unincorporated areas west of the city follow county rules.
Can I trim the tree in my swale?
Work in the city right-of-way needs an Engineering permit.
Are there rules for townhome courtyards?
Enclosed courtyards of multifamily townhomes are included in the residential exemption.
Who do I ask if I am unsure?
The city's Environmental Services or Development Services staff.
Do I need a permit to remove a palm in my yard?
Not from the city if you live in a single-family home or owner-occupied two-family home. Check HOA covenants first.
How should palms be prepared for hurricane season?
Remove coconuts, seed pods and dead fronds, and leave green fronds in place. Overtrimmed palms are more likely to snap.
What is the best time of year to prune trees in Boca Raton?
Late winter and spring for most broadleaf trees, well ahead of hurricane season. Palms can be trimmed in late spring or summer.
Reach a tree service in Boca Raton
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Boca Raton area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
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Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
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