Immediately recognizable to most Floridians, mangroves, with their distinctive root systems that dot the muddy shores of rivers and estuaries around South Florida, play an important ecological role.

They provide a habitat for thousands of vertebrate and invertebrate marine species and other wildlife, and they often bear the brunt of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Although most mangroves live in mud, they can also thrive in sand, peat, and coral rock, and they can withstand a level of salinity one hundred times greater than most other plants. In fact, mangroves are the only trees that can live in brackish water and they tolerate the daily ebb and flow of coastal tides that would drown most trees, even if the water itself were fresh.

But these majestic trees are by no means indestructible and, as such, they require expert care.

There are over half a million acres of mangroves in Florida and over 80% are under some form of government or private ownership or control and are expressly set aside for preservation or conservation purposes. This means that mangrove pruning must be conducted by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) in compliance with the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.

Additionally, the City of Sarasota requires permits for the removal of all street trees, mangroves, and private trees on all properties, and it is necessary to provide the building department with a Certified Arborist evaluation to obtain these permits. Siesta Key Landscape owner John Butts has been an ISA Certified Arborist for nearly 15 years, and he has completed all PMT qualifications.

If you live in Sarasota or the surrounding communities of Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Lido Key and you have mangroves growing in or around your property, call Siesta Key Landscape at 941-379-3479. We offer specialized mangrove pruning services that cater to your needs. We can expertly trim your mangroves, in accordance with the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, improving your view while maintaining the health of your mangroves and avoiding hefty fines