Top-rated landscapers in West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach writes most of its yard rules into its own zoning code: a city permit for most tree removals, canopy-based tree replacement, limits on hedges, fences and artificial turf, and a three-day watering schedule for city water customers. For zones, statewide grasses and licensing, see the Florida guide.

Tree permits in West Palm Beach

Under section 94-448 of the city code, trees on developed, vacant or redeveloped property can't be removed, relocated or replaced without a tree alteration permit. The key points:

• No permit needed for trees that are dead, severely diseased, invasive exotic species, or destroyed by natural causes.
• Native trees and palms in good condition must be preserved or relocated, and the city's application resources say removing a native tree requires an arborist report.
• Replacement: trees with a canopy of 20 feet or more are replaced by canopy area (remove 100 square feet of canopy, plant 100 square feet), and palms one for one. When the lot has no room, the owner pays into the city's landscape trust account instead.
• Dangerous and storm-damaged trees: a hazardous tree that needs immediate removal can be permitted after it comes down. After a hurricane, tropical storm, tornado or flood, the city can suspend the rules for 30 days for trees damaged beyond saving, if you notify Planning and Zoning at least 24 hours before removal.

The city's permit application lists a $25 fee for a single-family home, covering one tree, plus $5 for each additional tree, and requires a certified tree survey when six or more trees are involved. Questions go to the Planning Division, 561-822-1461 or [email protected]. The state's exemption for a documented dangerous tree is covered in the Florida guide.

City trees, swales and banned species

Anyone other than the city needs a permit to remove a tree from a median, parkway, park or other city property. The landscaping code says the strip between the street and sidewalk gets sod or city-approved ground cover, and planting trees or shrubs there needs the city's approval.

The plant standards ban planting Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, bishopwood, earleaf acacia, schefflera, woman's tongue and carrotwood.

Through its Plant Native program, the city gives residents up to four free native trees per property each fiscal year, to be planted in the ground.

Front yards, hedges and artificial turf

• Front yards: where parking sits in the front yard, the parking rules require the lesser of 1,000 square feet or 75 percent of the front yard to be living plants, or 60 percent if the driveway, parking, patios and walkways there are all permeable pavers.
• Hedges and fences: the fence, hedge and wall rules cap fences and walls at 48 inches in the front setback and 6 feet in side and rear setbacks, and hedges at 10 feet in any required setback.
• Artificial turf: the artificial turf rules allow it on homes only in the rear and side setbacks, never visible from a street or in a swale. It needs a building permit, a warranty of at least eight years, and a solid edge such as a concrete mow strip.

Watering in West Palm Beach

The city says the South Florida Water Management District's year-round rules apply to all West Palm Beach water customers:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and/or Saturday.
• Even-numbered or no address: Tuesday, Thursday and/or Sunday.
• Hours: between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.
• Amount: no more than 3/4 inch to 1 inch of water a week.
• Exceptions: reclaimed water isn't restricted, and the district allows hand watering with a self-cancelling nozzle at any time.

Residential customers with an active city water account can get one free irrigation evaluation, run with the Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District, and one free 55-gallon rain barrel.

Fertilizer and yard waste

The city's drinking water comes mainly from Grassy Waters Preserve, a 23-square-mile wetland, and its watershed page names fertilizer and improperly disposed yard trimmings as stormwater pollutants. The landscaping code points to the city's own Florida-friendly fertilizer rules (chapter 34, article V of the city code) and advises against mowing or using pesticides within 10 feet of a water body.

The city's yard waste rules matter when you hire out yard work: the city doesn't pick up landscape contractors' yard waste, contractors must haul it away, and the owner may be charged up to $350. The city's spring vegetation amnesty days, ahead of hurricane season, waive the disposal charge for residents, but not for contractors.

Local help: Palm Beach County Extension

The UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County office is at 559 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, (561) 233-1700, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its Master Gardener help desk answers plant, pest and disease questions at 561-233-1750 or [email protected]. For a soil test, contact the office before sending a sample to the UF lab. See also how to test your lawn soil.

What it costs

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.
• Landscaping: about $4.50 to $17 per square foot. See how much landscaping costs.
• Sprinkler system: about $1,600 to $3,600 installed. See sprinkler system costs.

Hiring a pro in West Palm Beach

• Get two or three written quotes with the scope, materials and timeline spelled out.
• For tree removal, ask who files the tree alteration permit, who writes the arborist report for a native tree, and whether the quote covers replacement trees.
• For yard work, confirm the crew hauls away its own debris, since the city won't collect it.
• For fertilizing, ask the company to confirm it follows the city's fertilizer rules.
• For turf or pavers, keep artificial turf in the side or rear yard and enough of the front yard planted.
• For irrigation, have the controller set to your three days and the 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. window.
• Before digging, make sure someone contacts Sunshine 811, as covered in the Florida guide.