Dead or Diseased Trees

Dead or Diseased Trees

Code Enforcement addresses dozens of complaints each year regarding potential dead or diseased trees.   Depending on the condition of the tree and the location, code enforcement may be able to help.  Below are some recommendations on how to address a tree you believe may be a public safety issue.

On Public Rights-of-Way or City Property

If you believe you have identified a tree on a public right-of-way or on a City-owned property, such as a park, please email code enforcement at codeenforcement@plantcitygov.com.  Please provide a detailed location for the tree and the reason you believe the tree should be removed.

On Neighboring Properties

Dead or diseased trees on neighboring properties are one of the most common complaints code enforcement receives.  Code Enforcement recommends taking the following actions if you believe your neighbor has a dangerous tree:

Speak to your neighbor – Depending on the location of the tree, your neighbor may not even be aware there is a problem.  Attempt to reach out to your neighbor first, either in person, email or telephone number.  When given the opportunity, most property owners will remove trees they believe are a danger to them or others.

Contact your homeowner association (If applicable) – If you have an active homeowner association within your neighborhood, there may be a prohibition in the covenants and restrictions against dead or diseased trees.  In some cases, homeowner associations can force a homeowner to remove problem trees or run fines against the property owner in the event the trees are not removed.

Hire an attorney – In many cases, neighbor disputes, such as dead trees, are a civil matter.  If you believe you have exhausted all your available resources, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your neighbor in civil court.

When to Contact Code Enforcement

The City of Plant City has an ordinance prohibiting dead or diseased trees on private property.  Because the ordinance declares such trees a public nuisance, the City has the option, in some cases, to remove the tree without the consent of the violator.  Code enforcement requires complainants who request our assistance to provide a report from a certified arborist stating that the tree is either dead or diseased and that said tree, without removal, poses a danger to the surrounding homes and their occupants. Code Enforcement will not investigate complaints of dead or diseased trees on private property without an Arborist’s Report.