Top-rated landscapers in Tampa, FL

Tampa adds its own rules to the state's: permits for most tree work, a summer fertilizer ban, a once-a-week watering day and a reclaimed water system. For zones, statewide grasses and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree permits in Tampa

Tampa protects trees under section 27-284 of its city code, and removing a protected tree without a permit can bring fines. The city's tree resources page sets the thresholds by diameter at breast height (DBH):

• Removal: any tree 5 inches DBH or more needs a permit, except invasive species.
• Pruning: a tree 24 inches DBH or more needs a permit first.
• Grand trees (32 inches DBH or more): removal requires special circumstances and public notice, and a grand tree that isn't hazardous may need a Variance Review Board decision.
• Replacement: removals are subject to replacement planting, or a payment into the tree fund when there's no room on site.

State law offers one shortcut. Under the city's statutory exemption guidance, the owner of a single-family detached home needs no city permit if an ISA certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect signs an onsite assessment showing the tree poses an unacceptable risk to people or property. The city recommends sending it that documentation. Tree questions go to (813) 274-3100, Option 1, or [email protected].

Street trees and free trees

The city prunes street trees, and its tree emergency line, 813-274-5744, handles trees blocking streets and sidewalks. Pruning a right-of-way tree needs permission from the Parks Department's Forestry Division. Through Tree-mendous Tampa, residents can request free trees planted between the curb and sidewalk, with a 90-day watering commitment.

Fertilizer: city and county rules

The City of Tampa's fertilizer ordinance sets three rules:

• June 1 through September 30: no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus on turf, and stores can't sell it.
• Nitrogen: granular fertilizer must be at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.
• Phosphorus: only where a soil test shows a deficiency.

Inside city limits, the rule of the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of Hillsborough County applies too. It adds a 10-foot fertilizer-free zone near water, deflector shields on spreaders, and a ban on putting grass clippings or fertilizer in the street.

Unincorporated Hillsborough County's own ordinance has the same summer ban, caps nitrogen at 1 pound per 1,000 square feet per application, and bans fertilizing during flood, tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings or within 36 hours before a likely rain of 2 inches or more.

Watering in Tampa

Tampa Water Department customers water once a week, by the last digit of the house number:

• 0 or 1: Monday
• 2 or 3: Tuesday
• 4 or 5: Wednesday
• 6 or 7: Thursday
• 8 or 9, mixed or no address: Friday

Hours tighten when the Southwest Florida Water Management District issues a water shortage order. Under its Modified Phase III order, for example, the city allowed one session on your day, between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. The city's hotline, (813) 274-8121, option 3, gives the current hours. Fines run up to $500. Automatic systems need a working rain sensor, and the city offers one free.

Parts of South Tampa can irrigate with reclaimed water, which isn't limited to set days, though wasting it is prohibited. It carries some nitrogen and phosphorus, so lawns may need less fertilizer, and it shouldn't touch edible crops that won't be peeled or cooked. Connecting takes a plumbing permit and a city inspection of the backflow preventer and rain sensor.

Storms and salt

UF/IFAS Hillsborough Extension notes that storm surge raises soil salt and can severely harm plants that aren't salt tolerant. Flush the root zone with fresh water gradually, since soaking the soil all at once removes its oxygen. Its hurricane tips: wait 4 to 6 weeks before removing "dead" plants, have a certified arborist assess risky trees, skip the "hurricane cut" on palms, and replant with storm-resistant trees such as live oak.

Local help: Hillsborough County Extension

The UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension office is at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner, (813) 744-5519. Its Master Gardener help desk ([email protected]) identifies plants, insects and diseases, and tests soil: $3 for pH, $10 for a full test with nutrients. Its plant clinic is free and serves residential clients only. 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 Tampa

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• For tree work, ask the tree service who pulls the city permit. For a risk-based removal under the state exemption, keep a copy of the signed assessment.
• For fertilizing, look for the EPC decal on company vehicles, which the city says shows the crew is certified, and expect no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.
• For irrigation, have the installer set the controller to your watering day and current hours, with a working rain sensor.
• Before digging, make sure someone contacts Sunshine 811, as covered in the Florida guide.