Top-rated landscapers in Jupiter, FL

Jupiter yards sit along the Loxahatchee River, the Intracoastal and the ocean, and the Town of Jupiter adds its own rules to the state's: a rainy season fertilizer ban, a three-day watering schedule, and tree rules that depend on whether you live in an HOA community. For zones, statewide grasses and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree and vegetation removal in Jupiter

The Town's Natural Resources FAQ sets out who decides:

• HOA neighborhoods with a development approval: a tree on your own lot needs only HOA approval. Street trees (usually between the sidewalk and the road) and common-area trees need Town approval, and the HOA applies for a Vegetation Removal Permit.
• Older "charter" neighborhoods without an HOA: no Town approval is needed to remove trees or vegetation on a developed lot. The Town lists Pine Gardens North and South, East View Manor, Jupiter River Estates, Penn Park, Brentwood North and South, Riverside Drive Park, Olympus, North Palm Beach Heights and most streets north and south of Center Street. For an undeveloped lot, or one not zoned residential, contact Natural Resources.
• Dead trees: no permit is needed to remove one on your property, though you may have to replace it, depending on where you live.
• Exotic or prohibited plants: clearing them does need a Vegetation Removal permit, so staff can verify the species and protect native vegetation.

Dead trees in the right-of-way or an alley go to Public Works, 561-748-2730. Code Compliance (561-741-2477) takes reports of unpermitted cutting or a neighbor's dead tree threatening your house. The state's dangerous-tree exemption is covered in the Florida guide.

Mangroves, dunes and the waterfront

The Town doesn't permit mangrove removal: the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) oversees it, through its Southeast District office at 561-681-6600. Under FDEP's mangrove rules, homeowners may trim mangroves in a riparian fringe that are no more than 10 feet tall, as long as they aren't cut below 6 feet or stripped of leaves. Taller mangroves need a Professional Mangrove Trimmer.

On the beach, FDEP's dune plant guidelines bar cutting down or damaging native dune plants such as seagrapes seaward of the coastal construction control line without a state permit. Routine trimming that doesn't damage them is exempt, but it must not make artificial light more visible from the beach, which matters for nesting sea turtles. Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (561-233-2400) regulates beach lighting.

Jupiter's rainy season fertilizer ban

The Town's fertilizer ban prohibits fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 through September 30, for residents doing their own lawns and for lawn care businesses alike. Farms, golf courses and athletic fields are exempt. As the Town's stormwater page notes, much of the runoff from yards goes straight into canals, creeks, the Loxahatchee River and the Intracoastal. Questions: 561-741-2705.

Watering in Jupiter

The Town and the South Florida Water Management District set year-round restrictions for the Town and its water service area, which also covers Juno Beach and unincorporated parts of Palm Beach and Martin counties:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and/or Saturday.
• Even-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and/or Sunday.
• Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. only.
• Shared systems: where odd and even addresses share a zone, as in many HOAs, follow the even schedule.
• New lawns and landscaping: any time on installation day; Monday through Thursday and Saturday for the first 30 days; then Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday through day 90, within the same hours.
• Exempt: hand watering, reclaimed water, and testing or repairing a system.

Reclaimed water and backflow

Reclaimed irrigation water comes from the Loxahatchee River District, not the Town. Its IQ Water program serves residential communities, parks and golf courses in Jupiter and Tequesta (561-747-5700, option 2).

If your sprinklers draw from a pond or well, the Town's backflow rules may apply: only licensed plumbing contractors install backflow devices, new or replacement devices need a building permit, and a certified tester sends results to the Town.

Yard waste pickup

The Town's sanitation FAQ allows up to 8 cubic yards of yard waste, collected twice a week. Bundle branches in pieces under 6 feet and 50 pounds, and bag grass and leaves in tied bags or lidded containers of up to 32 gallons. Bigger piles need a special pickup from Waste Management, 800-824-8472.

Local help: Palm Beach County Extension

The UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Extension office is at 559 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, 561-233-1700. Its Master Gardener help desk answers questions Monday through Friday at 561-233-1750 or [email protected], and the Master Gardener program runs plant clinics for pest and disease problems. Call the office before sending a soil sample. See also how to test your lawn soil.

What it costs

Quotes vary with lot size, access and the work. These national ranges from our cost guides are a starting point:

• Tree removal: about $385 to $1,070 for most trees, and more for very large or hard-to-reach ones. See tree removal costs.
• Tree trimming: about $430 to $640 per tree on average. See tree trimming costs.
• Lawn care: monthly plans about $100 to $500, mowing about $44 to $71 per visit. See lawn care costs.
• Sprinkler system: about $1,600 to $3,600 installed. See sprinkler system costs.

Hiring a pro in Jupiter

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• For tree work, check with your HOA first, and ask who gets Town approval for any street or common-area tree. The Town recommends an ISA Certified Arborist for trimming.
• For waterfront yards, ask whether the crew uses a Professional Mangrove Trimmer and how it handles dune seagrapes.
• For fertilizing, expect no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.
• For big cleanups, ask whether hauling is in the quote, since piles over 8 cubic yards need a special pickup.
• Check registration: the Town suggests looking a business up in Palm Beach County's local business tax records at pbctax.com.