Beware of Tree Removal Scheme

Nassau County Press Release

Nassau County, Florida, February 25, 2022 – The Board of County Commissioners has been made aware that a local contractor is reaching out to homeowners stating that they have unhealthy trees on their property that need to be removed. Residents have reported hiring this business to have the tree(s) removed, only to find out that the trees were actually healthy and that this may have been a scheme to generate business. If you are contacted, please do your due diligence to investigate the matter to ensure that you are not a victim of a scam. Contact an ISA certified arborist to conduct an inspection and to provide a tree risk assessment report prior to making any decision to have it removed. You can search for an ISA Arborist at https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

It’s also important to note that Nassau County’s new Tree Protection Ordinance went into effect on February 7, 2022, and it applies to properties in the unincorporated area of Amelia Island (outside of the City limits). This ordinance requires that a tree removal permit must be issued before the removal of a protected tree can occur. Removal of a protected tree without a permit is a violation of the Land Development Code and can result in the enforcement of penalties ranging from mandatary tree replacement, inch-for-inch and/or up to a $15,000 fine. Property owners and contractors can be held jointly liable for violations.

Nassau County’s Tree Ordinance can be found at: https://library.municode.com/fl/nassau_county/codes/code_of_ordinances . See Article 37, Section 37.02.

If you have any questions, please contact County Arborist, Garner Cox, at (904) 530-6300 or via e-mail at [email protected].

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Kristen Nichols
Kristen Nichols(@krisn)
2 years ago

Please correct your article! The company you referenced is NOT LOCAL. It is based in the Volusia area. The certified arborist they’ve listed is in the Tampa area. People naturally like to support our local businesses; this is not one of them.

Diana Herman
Diana Herman(@dianah1229)
2 years ago

They come into neighborhoods like a blitz–knock on everyone’s doors and tell them their tree or trees are damaged, rotten, diseased, take your pick. Folks believe the trees must be removed.Also, their logo is the same as a local company.Do not be fooled–this is a scam.

Margaret Kirkland
Margaret Kirkland (@guest_64074)
2 years ago

Thank you to County staff for getting the word out! Both City and County staff and commissioners have responded with concern in an effort to protect our canopy and our community. We need our trees for temperature moderation, stormwater protection, protection from storm winds and many other benefits they provide. In an era of climate change and sea level rise, our trees are critical for sustainability and resiliency.

John Rasmussen
John Rasmussen (@guest_64076)
2 years ago

Good info re tree protection. Allow me to mention that several tree companies claim that Spanish moss kill our oak trees and recommend removing the moss. Having consulted with several arborists I have been told that that is absolutely incorrect. Just wanted to let you know.