The Policy requires that all landscaping damaged as a result of the 2004 Hurricane season be replaced by January 1, 2006. The Tree Replacement Policy shall affect all residential and non-residential properties within the Town limits.
The following questions/responses have been generated by Natural Resources to assist the public with concerns related to landscape tree replacement due to hurricane damage in Jupiter town limits.
1. Who do I call first to discuss replacement of trees that were damaged as a result of the hurricane?
Contact your Homeowners Association (HOA) or Property Manager to discuss their overall approach to dealing with your development. This will assist Natural Resources staff to relay consistent information to the HOA or Property Manager who can decide how to distribute the information to all homeowners.
2. Do I have to replace trees destroyed as a result of the hurricane?
Yes. The Town of Jupiter Hurricane Damage Landscape Replacement Policy was established by the Town Council on December 7, 2004. The Policy requires that all landscaping damaged as a result of the 2004 Hurricane season be replaced by January 1, 2006. The Tree Replacement Policy shall affect all residential and non-residential properties within the Town limits.
3. How is the Town of Jupiter proposing to monitor and enforce compliance of replacing landscaping damaged as a result of the hurricane?
All properties within Jupiter Town limits that have been subject to the Town's landscape code must comply with the landscape replacement policy. Jupiter's landscape code has been formally adopted since the 1970's which established landscape regulations for residential and non-residential properties. The approved landscape plan on record with the Town establishes the location of the specific landscape materials that are required to be maintained and established in perpetuity. If you would like to determine whether your property has an approved landscape plan on record, please contact Natural Resources by E-mail @ shawnn@jupiter.fl.us or by calling 746-5134. Our experienced staff will be happy to assist you.
4. What size trees need to be installed for replacement trees?
The current code establishes all native shade trees to be planted with Florida #1 quality trees at 12-14 feet in height at time of planting. All Palm species must have a minimum 8 feet of clear trunk. Jupiter Town Council has determined that all hurricane damaged shade trees be replaced with a Florida #1 quality tree at 10 feet in height at time of planting. The replacement trees area required to be replanted with a native shade tree.
5. Can I reduce the canopy of my trees to stand them up and try to save them?
Yes, only as much as 50 percent of the canopy to lateral branches can be removed. If more than 50 percent of the canopy is removed the tree could die. Please contact a Certified Arborist to assess the tree damage and pruning that will be necessary.
6. If a development has excess trees on site (more than required by code) and has lost several, does the Homeowner Association (HOA) need to replace all of them?
No, however, the HOA needs to provide Natural Resources with a written Inventory of the remaining trees as well as the approved landscape plan to ensure the minimum tree count for development is met. This will also assist staff in the future to know what was approved and changed on site.
7. What type of tree needs to be replaced?
Native canopy trees (Oaks, Mahogany, Slash Pines, Geiger, etc.) and Palms (Sable, Royal, etc) for Palm species.
8. Do I need a permit to remove, relocate the damaged or downed trees?
No, however, trees that are removed must be replaced and damaged trees must be properly pruned. Contact Natural Resources for assistance or click on other links regarding tree replacement and proper tree pruning.
9. Will the landscape be required if I am trying to get a Certificate of Occupancy?
Yes, Natural Resources staff has verified that nursery material is still available at nurseries to meet current demand and minimum size requirements. Natural Resources staff is up to date on monitoring industry nursery stock availability and will continue to keep current on all market conditions.
10. For proposed new developments can I reduce the minimum tree heights?
No, all approved landscape plans that meet code requirements must continue to be met.
11. What if our trees or palms are leaning?
Trees and palms should be uprighted and restaked as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage to their roots or long term survival.
12. Are Jupiter's Pruning Standards being enforced?
Yes, If trees have suffered damage due to the hurricane, limbs may be removed to correct the damage but it is recommended that no more than 50 percent of the canopy be removed. Removing more than 50 percent of canopy can cause serious injury to the tree and may require replacement.
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