Top-rated landscapers in Largo, FL

Largo sets its own tree permit rules, runs its own reclaimed water system and has city rules for yard waste, while Pinellas County's fertilizer ordinance covers lawns inside city limits. For zones, statewide grasses and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree permits in Largo

The city's Ask a Planner page sets out the basics for homeowners:

• What needs a permit: any tree 4 inches in diameter or more, and any palm over 4.5 feet tall.
• Dead, diseased or invasive trees: removal still needs a permit, but there is no charge. Brazilian pepper and Australian pine are among the invasive species the city names.
• Replacement: if your property doesn't meet the Comprehensive Development Code's requirements, you may have to replace a removed tree. Dead, diseased and invasive trees are exceptions.
• Mangroves: they should not be removed, and trimming them needs a permit from Pinellas County Environmental Management.
• Pruning: the city advises removing no more than 25% of the crown at one time and never cutting the top branch, or leader, of a young tree.

You apply online, showing where the tree stands and what kind it is, and the inspector needs access to the whole property, so leave gates open. On the application, the owner agrees to possible mitigation fees and replanting. Questions go to the Planning Division at 727-587-6749 ext. 7301 or [email protected].

State law adds one exception: under section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes, a city can't require a permit for a residential tree that an ISA certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect documents as an unacceptable risk, though that exemption does not cover mangroves.

Trees between the street and sidewalk

Largo's right-of-way tree page says trees between the street and sidewalk, or between the street and the water meter, are public property even when they look like part of your yard. Cutting them down or major pruning without city approval is prohibited, and over-pruning can bring fines and restitution to the city. Report damaged or hazardous public trees, or ask whether a tree is in the right-of-way, through Largo.com/ServiceRequest.

Fertilizer: Pinellas County's rules

Lawns in Largo fall under the Pinellas County fertilizer ordinance, whose code text covers incorporated and unincorporated areas alike unless a city ordinance overrides it. In short: no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 through September 30, phosphorus only when a soil test shows a deficiency, and no fertilizer within 10 feet of a water body, seawall or wetland. Clippings and yard debris can't be blown into storm drains or the street.

Watering and Largo's reclaimed water

Largo's drinking water comes from Pinellas County Utilities, so potable watering follows the county's watering schedule, which assigns days by address. When the Southwest Florida Water Management District declares a water shortage, the county can cut watering to one day a week, with citations that start at $193 and double for each repeat violation.

Largo runs its own reclaimed water system. Its reclaimed water schedule for homes:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
• Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Thursday and Saturday
• Wednesday: no residential watering
• Hours: no watering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The city's reclaimed water report notes that reclaimed water carries nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cut fertilizer costs, and the county's fertilizer guide says to adjust fertilizer accordingly. Don't use it on edible crops that won't be peeled or cooked, or connect it to any other water source. To see whether your street can connect, call 727-518-3076.

Yard waste rules

Largo picks up yard waste weekly on your recycling day at no extra charge:

• Bag or bundle it: loose material isn't collected. Bundles must be no more than 4 feet long or wide and under 50 pounds, and bags or bundles can also go in your garbage cart.
• Volume: up to 5 cubic yards per week. Piles of 5 to 10 cubic yards are handled as bulky waste.
• Placement: at the curb, 10 feet from overhead wires and 3 feet from carts, mailboxes, vehicles and storm drains, never in the street or swale.
• Contractor debris: yard waste from landscaping or tree service contractors isn't collected. The contractor has to haul it away.

Questions go to the Solid Waste team at 727-587-6760.

Local help: Pinellas County Extension in Largo

The UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension main office is in Largo, at 12520 Ulmerton Rd., (727) 582-2100. It takes walk-in lawn and garden questions, answers plant questions by email at [email protected] (attach clear photos), and accepts soil samples, which go to the UF/IFAS lab for testing. See also how to test your lawn soil.

The Florida Botanical Gardens share the Ulmerton Road address: 150 acres of formal gardens, landscapes and native habitats, with free admission.

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 Largo

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• For tree removal, ask who files the city permit and handles any replanting, and confirm the tree isn't in the right-of-way. For a risk-based removal under state law, keep a copy of the arborist's signed assessment.
• For lawn care and fertilizing, ask whether the crew holds the state fertilizer certification covered in the Florida guide, and expect no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.
• For debris, make sure the quote includes hauling, since the city won't collect contractor yard waste.
• For irrigation, have the installer set the controller to your reclaimed or potable watering days and hours.
• Before digging, make sure someone contacts Sunshine 811, as covered in the Florida guide.