Tree Service and Tree Removal in Auburndale, FL

Auburndale is one of the few Polk County cities whose written code speaks directly to removing native vegetation, so it is worth reading the rule before a tree comes down. We are an independent service that connects callers with independent local tree companies. The company sets its own price and does the work; this page explains what the city's Land Development Regulations say, based on the text the city publishes.

Auburndale's vegetation removal permit

Chapter 10 of Auburndale's Land Development Regulations, the landscaping chapter, says no one may destroy or remove native vegetation from property in the city without a vegetation removal permit, unless the chapter provides otherwise. Applications go to the building department. The chapter's applicability section limits some of its requirements, so ask the city whether your specific yard job needs a permit rather than assuming either way.

  • What the application covers. The tree inventory covers trees of 2-inch caliper measured at 4 feet. For a single-family detached lot, hand-drawn sketches with photographs are acceptable.
  • When removal can be approved. The code allows preliminary approval where a tree is no longer viable, is in danger of falling, is too close to structures, interferes with utilities, creates unsafe vision clearance or is a health hazard.
  • Emergencies. The Building Official may give verbal authorization for vegetation that endangers health, safety or property and needs immediate removal, with written confirmation afterward.
  • Exemptions. Groves in active agriculture are exempt. Melaleuca, Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, dead or dying trees and trees required to be removed by law are treated differently under the permit rules.

The text is published as a PDF on the City of Auburndale website: Chapter 10, Landscaping. Confirm anything that affects a real job with the building department.

Native trees named in the code

Auburndale's native vegetation list includes bald cypress, live oak, laurel oak, slash pine, sabal palm, red mulberry, sweetgum and red maple, among others. The city also prohibits planting melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and downy rose myrtle. University of Florida research on hurricane survival found live oak, sweetgum and sabal palm among the best performers and laurel oak among the weaker ones, which is why a large, aging laurel oak deserves attention. See our laurel oak page.

Storm history

When Hurricane Charley crossed Polk County in August 2004, The Ledger reported that Auburndale public works crews cleared trees from roads overnight. Hurricane Milton in 2024 brought peak gusts generally of 80 to 90 mph across Polk County, according to the National Weather Service. After a storm like either one, look for hanging limbs and leaning trunks before the next wind event.

Tree removal, trimming and stumps

Describe the tree, its location and anything near it. Common Auburndale requests are tree removal, tree trimming and stump grinding. For a tree on a house or car, see emergency tree removal.

Nearby

Other areas we cover include Winter Haven and Polk City, or see all service areas.

Call (863) 267-9528 or use the contact page. We connect you with an independent local provider; the provider does the work and sets its price.

Get connected

Tree Removal Lakeland is an independent service that connects callers with local tree care providers; we are not a tree contractor. Disclosure