Chapter 927. TREE PROTECTION AND LAND CLEARING

§ 927.04. Definitions referenced.

Latest version.

The definitions of certain terms used in this chapter are set forth in Chapter 901, Definitions, of the Indian River Land Development Code. Notwithstanding, the following definitions of "protected tree" and "specimen tree" (reiterated in Chapter 901) apply to this chapter.

Tree, protected: any tree having a diameter-at-breast-height (dbh) of four (4) inches or more, but not including "specimen trees." Cabbage palms ( Sabal palmetto ) with ten (10) feet or more of clear trunk, regardless of dbh, are protected trees. Protected trees shall also include each tree, regardless of the dbh of the individual tree, within a significant grouping of trees of West Indian or tropical origin. The following trees, regardless of size or location, and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list of invasive species, shall not be considered to be protected trees:

Casuarina spp. - Australian pine

Enterolobium cyclocarpum - Earpod

Melia azedarach - Chinaberry

Schinus terebinthifolius - Brazilian pepper tree

Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree

Cupania anacardioides - Carrotwood

Citrus trees of all varieties shall not be considered protected trees.

Tree, specimen a tree that is in good health and sound structural condition and is a species with a diameter-at-breast-height (dbh) as follows:

Large trees, >12″ dbh	Bursera simaruba - gumbo limbo Liquidambar styraciflua - sweetgum Nyssa spp. - sour gum, tupelo Quercus virginiana - live oak Quercus hemisphaerica - laurel oak Quercus laurifolia - diamond leaf oak Quercus nigra - water oak Taxodium spp . - cypress
Medium trees, >9″ dbh	Acer spp - maple Celtis laevigata - sugarberry Persea boronia - red bay Gordonia lasianthus - loblolly bay Magnolia virginiana - sweetbay Ilex spp. - holly Morus rubra - red mulberry Persea palustris - swamp bay Zanthoxylum clava-herculis - Hercules club
Small trees, >5″ dbh	Bumelia tenax - tough bumelia Carya floridana - scrub hickory Coccoloba uvifera - seagrape Eugenia spp. - stopper Forestiera segregata - Florida privet Myrcianthes fragrans var. simpsonii - Simpson stopper Quercus chapmanii - Chapman oak Quercus geminata - Sand live oak Quercus myrtifolia - myrtle oak Zanthoxylum fagara - wild lime

Any hardwood tree not listed herein that has a dbh of nine (9) inches or greater and is in good health and sound structural condition is deemed a specimen tree; excluding, however, the following trees, regardless of size or location, and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list of invasive species: