Beware Of “Shady” Tree Services

The City of Winter Park has recently received numerous calls regarding questionable tree service companies that are soliciting work from unsuspecting residents based upon false information. These companies are also taking advantage of the start of hurricane season to prey upon residents’ fear of high winds and potential damage.

Tree companies are going door-to-door and mailing flyers that claim work must be done to “hurricane-proof” trees on or around private property, or else face fines for violating city code. They are offering steep discounts for these services. If the resident allows for this work to be done, in some cases, these companies can compromise the health of the tree by not following best management practices of proper pruning. For example, in some instances, companies are using climbing spurs which can be detrimental to the tree’s health.

If you are approached by a tree service company soliciting this type of work, please contact the Urban Forestry Division at 407-599-3325 or email urbanforestry@cityofwinterpark.org.

If you need to prune or remove a tree, you can find an I.S.A. Certified Arborist at isa-arbor.com. This site also provides an online tool to verify the credentials of arborists soliciting work.

Please visit cityofwinterpark.org/urbanforestry to find the necessary permits, applications and forms as it relates to the maintenance, protection and preservation of one of our city’s most treasured assets, our urban forest.

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