[CWGUY]

According to data from the Florida Forestry Association, there are around 19 different species of oak trees in Florida.

I am only talking about Laurel Oaks. Common Names: laurel oak, upland laurel oak, damn laurel oak

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by CWGUY

I showed you my link....
Your turn

Yeah, I started it. But I only had to read this far...

"Laurel oak, or "damn laurel oak" as I call it..."

...to see how scientific and unbiased the article was.

[Wiotte]

As far as I'm concerned if it's my property, it's my tree my property. I'll do whatever is necessary to protect my property. If that means destroying a protected species to achieve that I'll do whatever is necessary to that end.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Wiotte

As far as I'm concerned if it's my property, it's my tree my property. I'll do whatever is necessary to protect my property. If that means destroying a protected species to achieve that I'll do whatever is necessary to that end.

If it's truly a danger to your property, you'll likely be able to get a permit to remove it. If you don't you risk being cited.

[bimmertl]

Originally Posted by champion6

1. I say they are NOT protected in Florida because I have researched this. If you can disprove me by reference to a state statute, I would like to see it. "They are protected" is simply and urban myth.

2. If you think they are protected, what can be done about an act of God?

Still waiting for original poster to back up "protected" claim. Appears to be another thread that has no factual basis for the allegations made.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I have seen a lot of fallen oaks this past couple of days, both here and on TV. Yet they are protected.

What say you?

Originally Posted by champion6

1. I say they are NOT protected in Florida because I have researched this. If you can disprove me by reference to a state statute, I would like to see it. "They are protected" is simply and urban myth.

2. If you think they are protected, what can be done about an act of God?

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Lots of laws out there other than Florida statutes. Check city and county and other environmental permitting and development requirements before making such a claim.

And no...I'm not going to cite them. I enforced them for Pinellas County for 30 years. I don't feel any great need to do your homework for you.

It bothers me when someone such as the OP, says that a live oak (in this particular case) is protected. Nothing in nature is protected when it is a threat or causes endangerment to something else, i.e., a person, home, etc.

And let's call an Act of God what it really is whether we like her or not -- good 'ole Mother Nature who answers to no law!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by champion6

1. I say they are NOT protected in Florida because I have researched this. If you can disprove me by reference to a state statute, I would like to see it. "They are protected" is simply and urban myth.

2. If you think they are protected, what can be done about an act of God?

You know I respect your judgement and opinion. I thought that we were not allowed to cut them down on our property here in The Villages if they were above a certain size in diameter. That is not so? We have none and no palm trees on our property and I am kinda glad.

[circletrack]

I don't have links, but trees in general around here (especially within Lady Lake, Wildwood and Fruitland Park limits) fall under city ordinances and you must be granted a permit to cut them down. The Villages recently received one to cut down a tree on a lot in the historic side, causing much public outcry. I believe that is what Gracie meant by "Protected"

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

...I thought that we were not allowed to cut them down on our property here in The Villages if they were above a certain size in diameter. That is not so?...

It is so, gracie. As it is in almost every municipality and county in Florida. Anybody who begins indiscriminately cutting down live oaks will find that out soon enough.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Lots of laws out there other than Florida statutes. Check city and county and other environmental permitting and development requirements before making such a claim.

And no...I'm not going to cite them. I enforced them for Pinellas County for 30 years. I don't feel any great need to do your homework for you.

I know of no State Law for all circumstances, but I agree that there is an astounding patchwork of city and county laws regarding a wide variety of different trees.

There IS a State Law protecting three types of Mangrove Trees, which is unlikely to be an issue for residents of The Villages. Florida Laws on Cutting Down Trees | Hunker

In Hillsborough County (Tampa) the penalty for cutting down a "Grand Oak" tree can be severe.

From the Hillsborough County regulations: "Grand Oak: A Grand Oak is a tree of the genus Quercus with a trunk measuring 34” DBH and greater, a condition rating of good or better in accordance to the Tree Condition Evaluation Form referenced as Exhibit 4.1.6.1.a of the Development Review Manual, and whose trunk circumference, height and crown measurements are of the size and character to total a minimum 175 points in accordance to the Tree Point System methodology
defined by this Code." https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/l...egulations.pdf

There is also State Law regarding cutting down a tree near your property line which might affect your neighbor's enjoyment of the tree. A browser search should find this law.

Prudence suggests that a homeowner would inquire diligently before cutting down any tree on their property to assure it is permitted.

Now....... are there also constraints in the property restrictions of the house you bought in The Villages?

[graciegirl]

The reason this has been on my mind is that we have gone out to check on friends homes who are not here at present and one has a large Oak in their yard. I could just see it falling on their house during the night of the Hurricane. Thank Goodness it did not. But in doing some errands we have seen some big limbs fallen on the ground and there have been many photo's shared on the online news and Facebook of huge oaks falling on the golfcourse and one near a rec center. They could be deadly in a Hurricane and probably have been deadly in a Hurricane in other places in Florida.

One of the most beautiful areas in all of The Villages, to me is the area on Buena Vista near where you turn to go to Lake Sumter with the canopy of huge Oak Trees and lovely trimmed foliage of every hue. I always think that this is what heaven must look like.

[chuckinca]

Take a ride on Avenida Central that loops around Spanish Springs.

.

[Bay Kid]

Too big a tree on small lots. Very messy. Beautiful to see elsewhere.

[CWGUY]

Anyone read today's paper yet. Check the front page.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by CWGUY

Anyone read today's paper yet. Check the front page.

I will do that. They got rid of a lot of beautiful trees when they improved CR101 last year. That was a contractor for the County doing all the work there.