Top-rated landscapers in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota yard work runs into two sets of rules: the City of Sarasota's inside city limits and Sarasota County's outside them. Both ban summer fertilizer, but the city runs its own tree permit program and its watering days differ from the county's. For zones, statewide grasses and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree permits in the City of Sarasota

The city's Tree Protection page sets the rules for addresses inside city limits:

• Removal: a permit is needed to remove or relocate any tree over 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), including dead, prohibited or undesirable species. Removing those costs no permit fee, but you still need the permit.
• Pruning: routine trimming needs no city permit. The city recommends a certified arborist for large branches and for any work on a grand tree.
• Grand trees: live oak or sand live oak 24 inches DBH or more, and slash pine, longleaf pine or southern red cedar 20 inches DBH or more.
• Marking: within 24 hours of applying, tie an orange ribbon on every tree listed. Unmarked trees fail the first inspection and bring a $100 re-inspection fee.

Apply online or at Development Services, 1575 Second Street. Tree questions go to the city's senior arborist at 941-263-6536. The city also holds free tree giveaways during the year.

Mangroves need a Florida DEP permit before any trimming, altering or removal, and the city won't issue a removal permit for red, black or white mangroves without one. State law's exemption for a documented dangerous residential tree is covered in the Florida guide. If your address is in unincorporated Sarasota County, the city's permit process doesn't apply; check with the county instead.

Fertilizer: June 1 to September 30

The City of Sarasota has its own fertilizer ordinance, and UF/IFAS Extension's code comparison shows it matches the rules for unincorporated Sarasota County and Venice:

• Restricted season: from June 1 through September 30, no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus on turf or landscape plants in residential areas.
• Nitrogen: at least 50 percent slow-release, no more than 1 pound per 1,000 square feet per application and 4 pounds per year.
• Phosphorus: no more than 0.25 pounds per 1,000 square feet per application and 0.5 pounds per year.
• Water buffer: no fertilizer within 10 feet of any water body or wetland, except during a new planting's first 60 days.
• Spreaders: broadcast spreaders need a deflector shield, and spills on pavement must be cleaned up.
• Clippings: grass clippings and yard debris can't be blown or washed into storm drains, ditches, water bodies, sidewalks or roads.
• Applicators: everyone who applies fertilizer, except homeowners on their own property, needs Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training.

Neighbors differ: Longboat Key's water buffer is 3 feet, and North Port's restricted season starts April 1.

Watering: city and county schedules

The City of Sarasota has adopted the Southwest Florida Water Management District's watering restrictions, with civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. City watering questions go to 941-263-6224. UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension's summary of local schedules shows the city and county differ:

• City of Sarasota: odd addresses Wednesday and/or Saturday, even addresses Thursday and/or Sunday, letter addresses and common areas Tuesday and/or Friday. Water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Reclaimed water is exempt.
• Unincorporated Sarasota County: one day a week by the last digit of the address (0 or 1 Monday, 2 or 3 Tuesday, 4 or 5 Wednesday, 6 or 7 Thursday, 8 or 9 Friday, letter addresses Saturday), before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., with no more than 3/4 inch per zone. The rules cover wells and ponds too.
• New lawns in the city: any time on installation day, any day within normal hours for the next 30 days, then three days a week for the following 30.
• Everywhere: hand watering and micro-irrigation of non-lawn plants are allowed at any time, and automatic systems need a working rain sensor.

When the district declares a water shortage order, its schedule takes over. Under its Modified Phase III order, for example, lawns could be watered once a week by the last digit of the address, between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Check the district's page before setting a timer. The Extension's Water Resources program offers free irrigation evaluations to Sarasota County residents.

Storms, sea spray and surge

After a hurricane, UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension's post-storm tips say most wind-burned plants recover with extra watering. Rinse sea spray off leaves with fresh water and hold off on chemical fertilizer, since its salts can make water uptake harder. Most plants submerged in saltwater won't survive; flush the soil of any that show life, and choose salt-tolerant plants for the future.

Local help: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is at Twin Lakes Park, 6600 Clark Road, 941-861-9900. Its Master Gardener Plant Clinic (941-861-9807, [email protected]) identifies plants and pests and helps with lawn and garden problems. The office tests soil for pH and salinity for $5 a sample; nutrient tests go to the UF/IFAS lab in Gainesville. 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 Sarasota

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• Confirm city or county. Your address decides which tree, watering and fertilizer rules apply.
• For tree removal in the city, ask who pulls the permit and ties the orange ribbons, and expect a permit even for a dead tree over 4.5 inches DBH.
• For waterfront work, don't let anyone touch mangroves without a DEP permit.
• For fertilizing, ask for proof of GI-BMP training and expect no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30, nor within 10 feet of the water.
• For irrigation, have the controller set to your assigned days and hours, with a working rain sensor.