Last summer, Florida lawmakers effectively overturned local tree protections when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that keeps localities from regulating removal, replanting, pruning or trimming of a tree on private property if a licensed arborist determines the tree poses a danger.
One gorgeous banyan on Granville Court N. in St. Petersburg appeared in danger of being cut down last week after owners of one house with rights to the tree were advised by a local tree trimmer—under the guidance of an arborist—to cut it down.
But after some neighborhood uproar and unity, those same owners (who share equal rights to the tree with their neighbor who didn’t want to cut down the Banyan) changed their tune and consulted with the city in how they can treat the tree.
On Monday, the owners who initially wanted to cut down the tree told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that they’ve decided to just prune it under the guidance of the City of St. Petersburg’s Urban Forester, Shane Largent. —Ray Roa
A resident of Historic Uptown in St Petersburg signs a homemade letter in support of the Banyan tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanBay News 9 reporter interviews homeowner Mark Taber, half owner and supporter of keeping of the Banyan tree in question. Credit:Alex KaufmanBay News 9 reporter interviews homeowner Mark Taber, half owner and supporter of keeping of the Banyan tree in question. Credit:Alex KaufmanA photojounralist for WFLA takes a photo of the letters of support posted to the tree by residents. Credit:Alex KaufmanA homemade peace totem adorned to the tree by neighbors. Credit:Alex KaufmanA printout of social media comments in support of keeping the tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanA survey flag shows the trees splitting the property lines between 924 and 932 Granville Court N. in St. Petersburg. Credit:Alex KaufmanThe canopy made by the 100 year old Banyan trees on Granville Court N. in St. Petersburg. Credit:Alex KaufmanNeighborhood-made signs adorn the Bayan tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanThe canopy made by the 100 year old Banyan trees on Granville Court N. in St. Petersburg. Credit:Alex KaufmanNeighborhood-made signs adorn the Bayan tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanNeighborhood-made signs adorn the Bayan tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanNeighborhood-made signs adorn the Bayan tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanCredit:Alex KaufmanCredit:Alex KaufmanThe canopy made by the 100 year old Banyan trees on Granville Court N. in St. Petersburg. Credit:Alex KaufmanNeighborhood-made signs adorn the Bayan tree. Credit:Alex KaufmanCredit:Alex KaufmanCredit:Alex Kaufman
