Tampa Relaunches Self-Certified Arborist Program

TAMPA, FL — In an effort to improve efficiency in the permitting process, the city of Tampa Development and Growth Management's Construction Services will host a specialized course for those interested in becoming certified private arborists.

Upon completion, the certified private arborists will be authorized to conduct tree evaluations and assessments for a variety of permits, including tree removals and pruning, tree surveys for use in zoning reviews, right of way permit reviews, and building permit reviews.

Instead of waiting for a natural resources staff member to perform these services, a homeowner, developer or business owner will have the choice to hire a city-certified private arborist to expedite the process.

"Our natural resources team is involved, in some way, in every residential or commercial permit application, and therefore, is always extremely busy," said J.C. Hudgison, construction services center manager and chief building official for the city of Tampa. "We hope this program will help alleviate some of this workload, while simultaneously providing local arborists with additional job opportunities."

To ensure the same quality of service, the city will regularly conduct audits to verify the certified private arborists are performing the services correctly. Their certification will remain effective for two years.

Applications will be accepted through the month of June. Apply to the program.

Tampa Tree Canopy Survey

In the meantime, researchers at USF are studying how residents in the city of Tampa experience and care for trees in its urban forest and want to know what residents think about the trees in their neighborhood and the city of Tampa’s plans to maintain trees across the area.

• What do you think are the most important considerations for caring for Tampa’s trees?
• Have you noticed any changes in the environment related to trees?
• Are you concerned about how tree maintenance or removal is affecting your home, neighborhood, and city?
• Have you heard of the city’s Treemendous tree planting program, or would you like to learn more about it?
• Do you want to find more information about what to do when you need to remove a tree in your yard but are not sure where to start?

Those willing to be a part of the confidential survey are invited to click here.