Growing and maintaining our urban forest is one of the keys to a sustainable environment. Our "canopy" is the layer of leaves, branches and stems that cover the ground when viewed from above. Fort Lauderdale is a lush, green City representative of its semi-tropical location and certified Tree City USA for more than 40 years, a Tree City of the World, a NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, and a participant in the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. This section of our website provides all the information you need about the City's Urban Forestry Program and how to get involved with tree planting and care in Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is growing a greener future by expanding and improving the trees in our city—our urban forest. We're aiming for 33% tree cover by 2040, which means more trees for shade, cleaner air, and a more beautiful city! Your input is essential as we develop an Urban Forestry Master Plan to achieve this.
Trees are some of nature's most beautiful creations, but the benefits of good canopy coverage, and each tree in specific, extend far beyond their aesthetic qualities. Trees have environmental, economic and social value. They:
Trees are living things, thriving, and looking the most magnificent when they are comfortable in their surroundings.
Each tree has its preferred cultural needs: different tolerances to salt and pollution, and vastly different soil and water requirements. The first challenge is to choose a tree that is Florida-friendly and well suited to our semi-tropical climate. Following that, the goal is to plant that tree in a specific location that gives it the greatest chance for survival over the long term. Citywide, available water and the soil, as well as sun exposure and available space, differs from neighborhood to neighborhood.
The City's Urban Forestry Program will provide and plant a variety of trees (8-12' overall height) to Fort Lauderdale homeowners in right-of-way swale areas (the grassy strip between the pavement and the sidewalk) adjacent to their property. Neighbors must water the tree until established, remove all bracing /strapping after one year, and provide future maintenance for the tree.
The City of Fort Lauderdale partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide free energy-saving trees to Fort Lauderdale residents by mail at no charge along with guidance on the planting location that results in the greatest environmental impact and energy savings.
The City offers a tree giveaway experience for Fort Lauderdale neighborhood associations. Individuals authorized on behalf of their association may apply to participate in this program, which is available year-round on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. To request a tree giveaway at your next neighborhood event, email sustainability@fortlauderdale.gov at least two months prior to your event.
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinance includes information about:
For tree-related emergencies and to report tree abuse, please call 954-828-8000 or use FixtIt FTL.
For questions relating to tree removal and landscaping permits, please contact the Landscaping Division of the Development Services Department.
For other urban forestry inquiries, please email sustainability@fortlauderdale.gov.