Top-rated landscapers in St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine has five local Historic Preservation zoning districts (HP-1 to HP-5) and, as the city's property owner guide puts it, an abundance of archaeological resources. Both affect yard work: tree removal, fences and even digging can need city review. For statewide grasses, soils and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree removal permits

The city's tree removal page says Section 25-56 of the City Code requires a permit from the Planning and Building Department before removing a tree 3 inches or more in diameter at breast height. Questions go to 904-825-1066.

• Southern red cedars: a cedar taller than 2 feet, or with a trunk 1 inch across measured 3 inches above the ground, needs a permit.
• Replacement: an approved removal must be replaced with two similar trees on the site, or, if that isn't feasible, the applicant may be allowed to donate $300 per replacement tree to the city's Tree Mitigation Fund.

One exception: under section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes, a local government can't require a permit, fee or replanting to prune or remove a tree at a single-family home if the owner has a signed assessment from an ISA certified arborist or a Florida licensed landscape architect showing the tree poses an unacceptable risk.

The right-of-way

For a tree in the city right-of-way, the city's right-of-way FAQ says the owner first gets the tree removal permit, then the tree company needs a separate right-of-way permit from Public Works; the owner pays for the work. Owners are also responsible for repairing the sidewalk in front of their property, which takes a licensed, insured contractor and a right-of-way permit.

Fences and walls in the historic districts

The city's HARB applications page says most work in the HP districts needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Architectural Review Board before a building permit is issued. Staff are at [email protected].

Applications are reviewed against the city's Architectural Guidelines for Historic Preservation, which say:

• Not appropriate: cinder block walls, and ornate iron or wood, rough cedar, chain link, wire or post and rail fences.
• Materials: for buildings after the Spanish colonial era, fences and walls should match the building's style, in stucco over masonry, poured coquina or tabby, coquina stone, wood or iron. Fences should be painted white or left unpainted.
• Privacy fences: modern vertical board fences are generally appropriate only on side and rear elevations.

Digging in an archaeological zone

The city has 18 archaeological zones. Its archaeology review page says a project needs review if it is tied to a building or right-of-way permit, is in a zone, disturbs the ground more than 3 inches deep and covers 100 square feet or more. Zone maps are approximate, so call Planning and Building at 904-825-1065 to check your lot.

Watering in St. Johns County

The St. Johns River Water Management District sets these watering days when no shortage is declared:

In a drought the district can tighten this: under its Phase III extreme water shortage, which has covered portions of St. Johns County, irrigation is limited to one day a week (the Eastern Standard Time days) and banned between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Check the district's page before setting a timer.

Fertilizer rules in the city

The city's fertilizer page says City Code Section 11-2 applies to everyone who fertilizes in the city, homeowners included. No fertilizer with nitrogen or phosphorus during a flood, tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning, or when 2 inches or more of rain is likely within 24 hours, and none within 10 feet of ponds, waterways or wetlands (3 feet with a deflector shield or drop spreader). Landscaping and lawn care businesses need at least one employee with a Green Industries Best Management Practices certificate.

Salt and wind

UF/IFAS Extension's coastal landscapes page says plants within about one-eighth of a mile of saltwater should be at least somewhat salt tolerant, and suggests fences, sturdy shrubs or groups of trees as windbreaks.

Local help: St. Johns County Extension

The UF/IFAS St. Johns County Extension office is at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine (904-209-0430). Master Gardener volunteers there test soil pH free for county residents (up to three samples of 1 to 2 cups each) and take plant problem photos at [email protected]. See also how to test your lawn soil.

What it costs

Quotes vary with lot size, access and permits. 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.
• Paver patio: about $8 to $25 per square foot installed. See paver patio costs.

Hiring a pro in St. Augustine

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• For tree work, ask who pulls the city permit and plants the replacements. A tree by the street also needs the tree service's right-of-way permit; a risky tree, an arborist's signed assessment.
• For a fence or wall in an HP district, confirm who is getting the Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Before digging, check whether the lot is in an archaeological zone, and make sure someone calls 811 (see the Florida guide).
• For fertilizing, ask for the company's Green Industries Best Management Practices certificate.