Mangroves in the Charlotte Harbor area, live in loose wet soils associated with shorelines tidally influenced bays and inland waterways and are key to a thriving harbor.  Adapted to the harsh saltwater tidal environment, mangroves provide habitat and nutrients vital to the thriving wildlife found in Charlotte Harbor. 

Benefits of Mangroves

• Assist in protecting water quality and clarity by filtering run-off and trapping sediments from adjacent uplands
• Provide physical habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms, many of which have important recreational or commercial value
• Serve as roosting and nesting sites for many of our birds
• Serve as storm buffers  by reducing wind and wave action in shallow shoreline areas

General Mangrove Trimming   & Alteration Regulations

Mangroves are protected by the  State of Florida's "Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act" and the State of Florida enforces the statutes protecting these important species.  Proper trimming will be more beneficial to the shoreline, the fisheries, the water quality and will improve your landscaping design.

HOMEOWNER FACTS

• No herbicide or other chemical may be used for the purpose of removing leaves of a mangrove
• Not all mangroves may be trimmed down to 6 feet especially large black & red mangroves
  • NO mangrove may trimmed  below 6 feet
  • One cannot legally trim below the prop root insertion on the trunk
• If mangroves are greater than 10 feet in height a licensed professional mangrove trimmer is required for any pruning activity
• A maximum of 25 percent of trees may be trimmed in any  given year regardless of tree height
• Mangroves trimming is best done in late spring just as trees are flowering and fruiting is minimal  
• Maintaining a healthy canopy  produces shade and slows mangrove leaf production  which results in less trimming.
• Do not prune Mangroves without permission. You can be fined
• All Mangrove trimming should be performed under the supervision of a Professional Mangrove Trimmer in order to ensure the protection and important functions of these trees