Orlando Tree Pruning Ordinance & Memorial Tree Program

Parks and Public Spaces Florida 5 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Florida

Orlando, Florida manages public trees through a combination of municipal code provisions and department programs that regulate pruning schedules, permit requirements, and memorial tree requests on city property. This guide explains how the city schedules routine pruning, how the Memorial Tree Program works in parks and public spaces, who enforces the rules, and how residents apply, appeal, or report issues. It cites the controlling municipal code and the city Forestry Division for forms and contacts so you can act on pruning notices, request a memorial planting, or report damaged public trees.

Scope and Who This Affects

This guidance applies to city-managed trees in rights-of-way, parks, and other municipal property within Orlando city limits. Private-property tree rules may differ and are addressed separately in the municipal code. If your work affects a tree on city property or requires a permit, follow the City of Orlando procedures listed below.

Routine Pruning Schedule

The City schedules routine pruning for public trees to preserve public safety, visibility, and tree health. Pruning frequency varies by species, location, and risk classification; typical cycles include street-tree pruning every few years and targeted trimming before storm seasons. Specific pruning timelines and priority routes are maintained by the city Forestry Division; contact the division for the current schedule and neighborhood pruning plans [2].

If a city crew posts a pruning notice, follow listed instructions and timelines.

Memorial Tree Program

Orlando offers a Memorial Tree Program that permits commemorative plantings on designated park sites subject to availability, species lists, spacing, and maintenance rules. Requests are reviewed by Parks and the Forestry Division to ensure species suitability and site safety. Applications typically require a written request and may include a donation or fee; check the Forestry Division page for forms and program details [2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and city enforcement policies govern violations relating to unauthorized pruning, removal, damage, or interference with city trees. The municipal code text and enforcement provisions are the controlling legal authority; fines, penalties, and enforcement steps are established there or in department rules. Where exact penalty amounts or escalation schedules are not printed on the cited municipal page, the text below notes that the figure is "not specified on the cited page" and directs you to the code for the definitive citation [1].

  • Monetary fines: amounts are set by the municipal code or administrative rule; fine figures are not specified on the cited page when absent from the online summary [1].
  • Escalation: the code describes first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures where applicable, or provides for daily continuing penalties; if the code entry lacks explicit ranges, it is "not specified on the cited page" [1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to restore or replace trees, stop-work orders, mandatory replanting, liens for cost recovery, or referral to court are authorized under the municipal enforcement sections [1].
  • Enforcer: the Forestry Division and Code Enforcement handle inspections and violations on city property; see the Forestry Division contact page for reporting and complaint submission [2].
  • Complaint pathway: report damaged or illegally trimmed city trees by contacting the Forestry Division as directed on the official city site; emergency hazards may be reported via the city non-emergency line or 311 where available [2].
Do not prune or remove city-managed trees without written authorization.

Applications & Forms

Applications and required forms for memorial trees, permits to work near public trees, or requests for special pruning are published by the Forestry Division or the Parks Department. Specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission methods are available on the Forestry Division and Parks pages; if a form number or fee is not visible on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page" [2][1].

  • Memorial Tree Request form: name/number and fee information are published by Parks or Forestry where available; check the official page for the current PDF or online form [2].
  • Work-permit applications for pruning near city trees: required when private work affects public roots or canopy; details and submission instructions are available from Public Works/Forestry [2].

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Unauthorized pruning or removal of a city tree — may trigger restoration orders, replacement planting, and fines (see code) [1].
  • Damage from construction activities — required mitigation, stop-work orders, and potential liens for remediation [1].
  • Failure to obtain required permits for work near public trees — permit denial, fines, and reinstatement requirements [1].

Appeals, Reviews, and Defenses

The municipal code sets appeal routes and timelines where administrative citations or orders are issued. Common defenses include demonstrating a permit, an emergency necessity to abate an immediate hazard, or evidence of prior written authorization. Exact time limits for filing appeals or administrative reviews are stated in the controlling ordinance or administrative rules; if not shown on the cited page, they are "not specified on the cited page" [1].

Keep records and photos before and after tree work to support appeals or permit requests.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is on city property by checking property lines or contacting the Forestry Division.
  2. For memorial tree requests, download and complete the Memorial Tree Request form from the Parks or Forestry page and submit per instructions [2].
  3. If you need pruning adjacent to city trees for private construction, apply for the required permit and provide an arborist report if requested.
  4. Report illegal pruning or hazardous city trees to the Forestry Division via the official contact form or phone line; for emergencies, contact city non-emergency services or 311.
  5. If you receive a citation or order, follow the notice instructions, preserve evidence, and file an appeal within the timeline specified in the municipal code or the notice [1].

FAQ

Who enforces tree pruning rules in Orlando?
The Forestry Division and Code Enforcement enforce pruning and tree protection rules on city property; see Forestry Division contact information for reporting and complaints [2].
Can I plant a memorial tree in a city park?
Yes, through the Memorial Tree Program subject to site approval, species selection, and any donation or fees required; apply using the official request process on the Parks or Forestry page [2].
What if someone prunes a city tree without permission?
Report unauthorized work to the Forestry Division; enforcement may include fines, restoration orders, or replacement requirements as provided in the municipal code [1].

Key Takeaways

  • Always check whether a tree is on city property before pruning or planting.
  • Use the official Memorial Tree Request form and follow Parks/Forestry instructions.
  • Report hazards or illegal work to the Forestry Division promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Orlando Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Orlando - Forestry Division

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