Pruning near power lines should only be conducted by FPL or FPL authorized contractors. Homeowners should only prune limbs from the ground and only with hand tools. This is a safety measure. Only trained professionals (ISA Certified Arborists) with proper equipment for elevated trimming should perform work off the ground. Do not prop ladders against your trees near power lines. In any case, mounting a ladder to perform trimming is dangerous because it can tip over. However, ladders against trees which are anywhere near power lines can conduct electricity and result in severe injury or death to anyone who touches the ladder or tree. Please consult FPL or a professional, licensed trimmer (ISA Certified Arborist) to conduct all elevated pruning.

Trees should be pruned for the first time 2 and 5 years after planting, then every 5 to 7 years thereafter depending on the results of an annual evaluation by an ISA Certified Arborist and each tree(s) specific needs.

Pruning is best performed from winter to early spring (before new growth starts) because wounds close quickly as growth starts in the spring and insect and disease infestations are less likely.

Trimming as little of the tree as possible should be the objective due to the stress pruning places on a tree. There are certain tools needed to prune if taking on the task yourself.

Remember not to top your trees. Tree topping, otherwise known as hat-racking or heading, is harmful to the health of your tree. Trees are often hat-racked improperly or severely crown reduced when they grow too large or into utility wires. There are multiple alternatives for properly pruning a tree on your property:

• Start out right by planting trees that will fit your available space when they reach maturity
• Plant a Florida Grade No. 1 or better quality tree
• Begin proper pruning early in the life of a tree
• To slow the growth of a tree- avoid the use of nitrogen fertilizer
• Prune properly and regularly. Evaluate your tree(s) annually, and note that aside from correction of defects and removal of deadwood your tree(s) may not require pruning every year.

When working with a professional, be sure to check that the company is licensed and certified in Broward county, possesses an ISA Certified Arborist credential, and that all staff have been trained in proper tree trimming. Also ask for proof of current general liability and workers compensation insurance. While permits are not required to prune a tree in Fort Lauderdale, tree pruning must be performed in accordance with acceptable national tree pruning standards such as ANSI A-300 (part 1) and City code. Commercial tree companies must have a current Broward County tree trimmers license to prune within Fort Lauderdale.