Tree Permits

Tree Removal and  Replacement Guidelines

The City of Doral after incorporation, initially adopted the Miami-Dade County codes. Section 24.49 of the Miami-Dade County Code mandate for the protection of tree’s and forests. In 2010, the City adopted its own "Code of Ordinances". Under Chapter 71, Section 5, are the requirements for tree removal and preservation.

The City of Doral Public Works Department (PWD) encourages the planting of trees and maintaining the canopy (shade provided by the extent of the branches and foliage of a tree). Our codes mandate for the protection of trees and requires that trees that are going to be removed are replaced in order to mitigate the loss of canopy which benefits the community in many different ways. Planting trees is a simple and beautiful way to revamp and improve our City shade. They also provide clean air, help reduce traffic impact, help reduce high temperature and increase property value. The planting of trees also contributes to the re-certification of the City of Doral as a "TREE CITY USA".

Regulatory and Economic Resources Department (RER)

The Miami-Dade County, Regulatory and Economic Resources Department (RER), Tree Permitting Program regulates and enforces removal and replacement of trees and forests.

Tree Removal Permit Application

Removal, Replacement and/or Relocate a tree

These criteria need to be followed:

  • If the trees are in City of Doral public right-of-way, you are required to get a permit from RER and from PWD.

  • If the trees are in County public right-of-way, you are required to get a permit from RER.

  • If the trees are in private property, depending on the type of tree, you are required to get a permit from RER.

  • Tree Removal Permits Exemptions(PDF, 180KB)

Planting a Tree

If you decide to plant a tree in front of your home, remember that early tree care is critical and can help reduce future maintenance needs. Early tree care includes watering, adjusting the stakes, mulching, weeding and pruning. Be sure to hire a contractor with experience caring for young trees, or do it yourself by first taking advantage of the many educational resources available including workshops through Miami-Dade County Extension Office – UF IFAS Extension.

Step by Step Process

  • Determine where the trees are located, in private property, public right-of-way or easements.

  • Determine the type of trees and the requirements for replacement (see RER website)

  • Request a letter of acknowledgement from the Home Owners Association (HOA), if required by the HOA covenant

  • Get a permit from RER or letter of no requirement

  • Get a permit from the City of Doral PWD (permit fee is $10.00 per tree) if the tree is located in the right-of-way.

Based on the findings of the Street Tree inventories conducted in 2019 & 2020, the City’s consultant, E Sciences Inc., was tasked to update the Street Tree Master Plan and provide the City with a Street Tree Planting Master Plan. The Plan will help address lost canopy from storm events, identify potential planting sites, and proposes tree replacement and species for future tree planting, with the goal of increasing tree canopy by planting suitable trees within the appropriate right-of-way.

Street Tree Planting Master Plan

In August 2020, the City’s PWD completed the 2020 Street Tree Planting Master Plan. The Plan will help the City prioritize vacant planting locations, plan the replacement of trees that were identified to be in critical condition, recommend species based on the existing trees and continuity of species, and will help plan the budgeting for the planting of almost 3,000 more trees as proposed by the Plan. In addition, the Plan will help the City in seeking State and Local grants that will help fund tree planting and will help establish future partnerships with local businesses and organizations that want to provide funding for tree planting projects. This information is available for review on the City’s GIS Portal accessible through the following link: GIS Portal Street Tree Planting Plan.

Street Tree Planting Master Plan(PDF, 22MB)

Tree Species

The County has a “Street Tree Master Plan” with recommended trees for planting. This list is in the appendix and found and the link below. This list is not comprehensive and other trees may be approved as long as the species is not on the county’s list of Prohibited Tree Species, designated as an Invasive Species, or unallowable due to requirements of existing site conditions (i.e.: overhead utilities, signage, etc.). If your desired species in not on the “Street Tree Master Plan’s” Recommended list please submit to Public Works Department for review and approval.

Miami-Dade Street Tree Master Plan Book

Additional Resources

Document and Link

Miami-Dade County Guide to Tree Planting and Maintenance(PDF, 6MB)

Tree Planting and Care

International Society of Arboriculture

The City of Doral strongly encourages property owners to consult a certified arborist, who has been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) before you perform maintenance work on mature trees because they are properly trained to provide assistance for the care of larger trees. Also, be careful when having your tree pruned - It is illegal to top a tree (see photo below).
Fines will be issued to property owners who compromise the safety and health of street trees. If you should have any questions about tree care, proper maintenance techniques, please email us at publicworks@cityofdoral.com or visit our website for useful links that provide more information at City of Doral - Public Works.

Tree Owner Information

Basic knowledge of proper tree care helps individual tree owners understand the quality of care necessary for the health of their trees. An overview of tree care essentials is provided in this section.

Trees are Good

Why You Shouldn’t Top a Tree – And the Better Alternative

Topping Trees Graphic Tree topping is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when you cut the top of a tree off, which reduces the tree’s remaining top branches to stumps. As a result, your tree is left with weak, unstable limbs and a bare, unnatural appearance. Also, your tree is much more prone to breakage and may be a risk hazard.

How is topping harmful to trees?

Tree topping hurts trees in four, major ways.

  1. You remove lots of leaves, which decreases the tree's ability to photosynthesize and produce food.
  2. The wounds from the remaining shortened limbs become easy entry points for insects and pathogens.
  3. Trees respond to topping by quickly growing new limbs that are often too weak to handle storms.
  4. New branches eventually grow to the original height of the tree, perpetuating the unsafe cycle.

In the long-run, topping a tree can prove to be a costly mistake. The tree will either need extra care to stay alive or will eventually need to be removed.

Is there a good way to top trees? What’s an alternative to topping?

Yes, great question! When you prune a tree correctly, you reduce the tree’s height and keep it healthy! Ask your local arborist about proper structural pruning to safely shorten your tree.

And when planting a new tree, look up! Avoid planting under a tall structure or utility wires that the tree could interfere with when it reaches its mature height.

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