Top-rated landscapers in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg adds its own rules to the state's: tree permits that start at 4 inches of trunk diameter, its own watering schedule, a large reclaimed water system and brush sites with rules for lawn services. Fertilizer falls under Pinellas County's ordinance. For zones, statewide grasses and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree permits in St. Petersburg

The city's urban forestry page and tree protection handout set three categories by diameter at breast height (DBH):

• Protected: shade trees 4 inches DBH or more and understory trees 8 inches or more, unless the species is unprotected or prohibited.
• Grand: protected trees 30 inches DBH or more, except laurel oaks. They "need to be preserved."
• Signature: banyans, kapoks 30 inches or more, and jacarandas and royal poincianas 8 inches or more.

Removing any of these takes a permit, and so does trimming a grand tree branch 8 inches in diameter or larger. For one- and two-unit homes, the application lists a $25 inspection by the city's staff arborist and a $25 permit. The permit is posted where it's visible from the street and is valid for six months. Skipping it costs more: the handout's example for a 30-inch grand tree on a home lot totals up to $6,855 in after-the-fact fees, payment in lieu of replanting and a fine.

The state's dangerous-tree exemption covers only single-family detached homes, and the city asks owners with a qualifying arborist or landscape architect assessment to email it to [email protected]. Permit questions go to that address or 727-463-5680.

Owners maintain trees on their lot and in the abutting street and alley right-of-way. For new trees, the city suggests a spot on private property at least 10 feet from the house, driveway or sidewalk.

Fertilizer: Pinellas County's ordinance

The city's stormwater page points residents to Pinellas County's fertilizer ordinance. Its main rules:

• June 1 to September 30: no nitrogen or phosphorus on turf or landscape, and stores can't sell it.
• Year-round: granular nitrogen at least 50% slow-release, no phosphorus without a soil test showing a deficiency, and none before heavy rain or during storm watches and warnings.
• Water and seawalls: no fertilizer within 10 feet of the top of a bank, the landward edge of a seawall, or a wetland.

Watering in St. Petersburg

The city's watering restrictions cover its water customers inside city limits and tighten when the Southwest Florida Water Management District issues a water shortage order. Under a Modified Phase III order, for example, lawns on city water, private wells or private lake and pond connections could be watered once a week, if necessary:

• Days: Saturday for even addresses, Sunday for odd or no address.
• Hours: one slot, 5 to 9 a.m. or 7 to 11 p.m.
• Non-lawn plants: hand watering and micro-irrigation any day, before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• New plants and sod: a 30-day variance from the Water Resources Department, one per six months.

Repeat violations can reach $500 plus court costs. The Water Watch line, 727-892-5300, has the current rules.

The city says its reclaimed water system was the first built in the United States and is one of the largest in the world, though it doesn't reach every neighborhood. Its year-round schedule is three days a week (even addresses Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; odd addresses Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), 5 to 9 a.m. or 7 to 11 p.m. Reclaimed water carries nitrogen and phosphorus, isn't allowed on edible crops, and can't be cross-connected with drinking water. Service starts only after a final inspection.

City water customers can get rebates through Tampa Bay Water Wise for irrigation evaluations, efficient nozzles, rain sensors and weather-based controllers, while funding lasts.

Brush sites and lawn services

The city's five brush sites take yard waste from residents with proof of residency. Loads from lawn services are prohibited unless the account holder comes along with ID and a utility bill, or the owner and the company sign a consent form for that day's delivery. Each load must come from one address. Mulch is free at any site.

Local help: Pinellas County Extension

The UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension office is at 12520 Ulmerton Rd. in Largo, (727) 582-2100, and Master Gardeners answer questions at [email protected]. Inside the city, its South County clinic meets at Weedon Island Preserve on the third Saturday of each month. Soil samples are mailed to the UF/IFAS lab; see how to test your lawn soil. After a storm surge, Extension advises rinsing plants with fresh water, flushing the root zone and waiting for new growth before pruning.

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 St. Petersburg

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• For tree work, ask who applies for the city permit, including for large limbs on a grand tree. For a risk-based removal, keep the signed assessment.
• For fertilizing, the city asks that your landscaper be certified through Pinellas County, and the county requires the state fertilizer certification. Expect no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.
• For irrigation, have the installer set the controller to your days and hours, and keep reclaimed lines separate from drinking water.
• For cleanup, ask how debris leaves your property, since crews need you or a signed consent form at city brush sites.
• Before digging, make sure someone contacts Sunshine 811, as covered in the Florida guide.