Growing and maintaining our urban forest is one of the keys to a sustainable environment. Our "canopy" is the layer of leaves, branches and stems that cover the ground when viewed from above. Fort Lauderdale is a lush, green City representative of its semi-tropical location and certified Tree City USA for over 43 years, a Tree City of the World for 1 year, a NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, and a participant in the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. This section of our website provides all the information you need about the City's Urban Forestry Program and how to get involved with tree planting and care in Fort Lauderdale.
Trees are some of nature's most beautiful creations, but the benefits of good canopy coverage, and each tree in specific, extend far beyond their aesthetic qualities. Trees have environmental, economic and social value. They:
Trees are living things, thriving, and looking the most magnificent when they are comfortable in their surroundings.
Each tree has its preferred cultural needs: different tolerances to salt and pollution, and vastly different soil and water requirements. The first challenge is to choose a tree that is Florida-friendly and well suited to our semi-tropical climate. Following that, the goal is to plant that tree in a specific location that gives it the greatest chance for survival over the long term. Citywide, available water and the soil, as well as sun exposure and available space, differs from neighborhood to neighborhood.
The Urban Forestry Program, and its subcontractor(s) will provide and install a variety of trees (8-12' OA height) to homeowners for the rights of way swale area (the grassy strip between the pavement and the sidewalk) adjacent to their property. The neighbor must then water the tree until establishment, remove all bracing /strapping after 1-year, and care for it moving forward. Note the program is for Fort Lauderdale residents only and is offered twice a year with the next cycle occurring in Spring 2023.
A smaller tree giveaway experience for individual HOA's, Neighborhoods, Civic Associations or Neighborhood Groups located within the City of Fort Lauderdale only. Only individuals authorized on behalf of their relevant neighborhood/association/group may apply for participation in this program. Note that this program is available year round on a first come first served basis until available funds are exhausted.
Development Services Department - Building Services is responsible for issuing tree removal and landscaping permits. If you are searching for information about landscape and tree preservation, and guidelines for permitting, installation, maintenance, removal and more, you can find it in the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinance.
For emergency tree related issues, please call (954)828-8000 or report the issues via the Lauderserv app on your smartphone/iphone device http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/lauderserv.
For issues relating to tree permitting, landscape plans, and code compliance, please contact the Development Services Department: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/development-services.
For other urban forestry inquiries, please email sustainability@fortlauderdale.gov.