The appearance of a properly pruned tree is like a good haircut: hardly noticeable at first glance. --The National Arbor Day Foundation

The Department of Landscape Architecture has compiled the information you need to maintain the health and beauty of your mature trees throughout their lifetime. If you have a question, contact the Department of Landscape Architecture at 954-797-2246 or .

Water

Plants and trees need water to grow. The most critical time is the first few months after planting, to ensure that your plant becomes established in your landscape. Once your plants are established, you will not need to water them as much, but you will want to keep the soil moist Shallow- rooted shrubs and bedding plants need more water. If your trees and shrubs are located in a place where their root system is restricted, they will need more irrigation than if they had unlimited space. Mulching can reduce your plant’s water needs.

Want to plant a landscape that conserves water?

• Xeriscaping saves your time and cuts your water bills.
• Marge and Fred: Sprinklers … How Much is Too Much?
• How to Calibrate Your Sprinkler System

Fertilizer

It is important to make sure that your plants get the nutrients that they need. You want to make sure that your plants get the right combination of nutrients.

Mulch and Compost

Mulch- the City of Plantation offers free mulch as a product of its horticultural recycling program. The mulch is available to anyone and can be picked up in front of the Public Works compound gate at Plantation’s Central Park, between Broward Blvd. and Cleary Blvd, at NW 91 st Avenue and Cleary Blvd. You can help yourself to the mulch any time of day, seven days a week. Assistance with loading is available from 7:00- 7:30 am and 2:30 – 3:00 pm.

• Composting Guide for the residents of Plantation
• Marge and Fred: What's the Deal With Mulch?

Trees and Severe Weather

• Trees and Storms
• Marge and Fred: Prune Your Trees for Hurricane Safety

Pruning

• 10 Excellent Reasons to Trim Trees Properly
• Proper Pruning Benefits and Types
• Improper Pruning Types
• Pruning Cuts
• Roots and Root Pruning
• Marge and Fred: Who Cares About Roots?

Arborists

You might decide that you’re pruning job would be better left to a professional. The general rule is that if you can’t prune a limb from the ground you should hire an arborist.

• Hiring an Arborist – Here are some tips and a search tool for finding an arborist.

Tree Removal

• Other considerations - If you’re thinking about removing a tree, look here first.
• Procedure with the City of Plantation - The procedure if you are considering removing a tree.
• Trees you can remove without a permit

Tree Replacement

• Replacement Trees - If you have been granted permission to remove a tree, you will need to replace it. Here are some suggestions to help you pick out new trees.

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