Landscaping and Trees
The City strives to maintain a sustainable and attractive community through landscape requirements including shade trees, pervious surfaces, and front yard landscaping standards.
Lake Worth Beach has adopted requirements for landscape elements to promote sustainability, energy conservation, and aesthetic beauty. Resources and helpful links are available below for guidance on plant selection, groundcovers, pruning, and other important landscaping topics.
Landscape Regulations
The City's Land Development Regulations (Sec. 23.6-1 — Landscape regulations) address topics including:
Implementation of Florida Friendly Landscaping Principles™
Maintenance of permeable land areas essential to surface water management and aquifer recharge
Energy conservation through shade creation and promoting aesthetic appearance
Eradication of prohibited and controlled species
Planting of site-specific native and drought-resistant plant materials
Guidelines for installation and maintenance of landscape material and irrigation systems
Provision of food, cover, and habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife
Encouragement of creative landscaping designs
For specific requirements related to single-family and two-family homes, please refer to LDR Section 23.6-1(c) — View on Municode
Hurricane Season Tree Care
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Storm preparation should include properly pruning shade trees to promote a well-structured tree that stands up to storms. The city recommends using an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Find a Certified Arborist
Search for ISA-certified arborists in the Lake Worth Beach area to help with tree care and storm preparation.
City Tree Board
The City's Tree Board serves in a planning and advisory capacity to the City Commission regarding tree preservation and protection. The Board provides guidance on policy matters and standards within the City's landscape ordinance, including educational materials on proper planting, pruning techniques, insect and disease control, planting native species, tree inventory, and permit guidelines.
Tree Board members serve three-year terms. For more information on becoming a member, visit the advisory board page.
Resources & Reference Links
Helpful resources for Florida-friendly landscaping, plant selection, groundcovers, pruning, and tree care.
Proper pruning promotes healthy, long-lived trees and helps them withstand storms. Learn best practices and why hiring a certified arborist matters.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ uses quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant.
Choose the right plants for your landscape with these guides for native trees, drought-resistant species, and shade-friendly options.
Explore alternatives to traditional turf grass and find the right groundcover for your landscape.
General gardening, horticulture, and landscaping resources from university extensions and professional organizations.
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