Tampa Self Certified Private Arborist
July 8, 2023

July 8, 2023

Mid Florida Tree Service is proud to have two City of Tampa Self-Certified Private Arborists (SCPA) on staff, allowing them to assist clients through the often complex permitting processes associated with tree care and maintenance.

What is a Certified Arborist?


A Certified Arborist is a highly trained professional with recognized certification from esteemed organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). These experts possess extensive knowledge in tree care, maintenance, and management, making them adept at assessing tree health, diagnosing issues, and providing guidance on proper tree care practices. Certified Arborists are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the well-being of trees in various settings, including urban areas, parks, and private properties.


Understanding Self-Certification

The City of Tampa has established a Self-Certified Private Arborist (SCPA) program, which Mid Florida Tree Service’s arborists are proud to be part of. This program empowers certified arborists to perform several critical tasks, facilitating efficient and effective tree care.


For a detailed overview of the SCPA program, visit: City of Tampa SCPA .


Key Responsibilities of Self-Certified Private Arborists

  1. Tree Conditions Evaluations and Risk Assessments: SCPA-certified arborists can conduct thorough evaluations and risk assessments necessary for obtaining tree removal permits for protected, specimen, and grand trees. They are also authorized to assess conditions and risks for tree pruning permits, particularly for specimen and grand trees.
  2. Tree Surveys: Certified arborists can provide certification for tree surveys, which are essential for zoning reviews, right-of-way permit reviews, and building permit reviews. These surveys offer valuable information regarding the condition and significance of trees on a property.
  3. Arborist Reports: In addition to tree surveys, SCPA-certified arborists can prepare detailed arborist reports. These reports are crucial for zoning reviews, right-of-way permit reviews, and building permit reviews, offering professional assessments and opinions on trees to aid in development project decision-making.


Requirements for Participation in the SCPA Program

To participate in the SCPA program, arborists must hold an active ISA certification, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge in arboriculture. The certification is strictly personal and cannot be used by another person, company, or entity.


Recertification is required every two years, and certified arborists must attend quarterly advisory meetings to stay updated with the latest practices and developments in the field.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

Arborists participating in the self-certification program must use specific forms and adhere to approved evaluation and risk assessment methods provided by the city. The submitted documentation is accepted as the official information for a development site, eliminating the need for additional inspections by Natural Resources. Routine audits by Natural Resources ensure adherence to program standards.


In the event of changes to local, state, or federal laws impacting City Codes and Technical Standards, additional or updated courses may be required to maintain certification. Compliance is crucial to avoid certification becoming void due to audit violations.


Commitment to Excellence

Mid Florida Tree Service continually strives to provide exceptional service while simplifying processes for their clients. Their commitment to having certified arborists on staff underscores their dedication to delivering top-notch tree care and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. When you choose Mid Florida Tree Service, you're selecting a team that prioritizes both the health of your trees and the ease of your experience.

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Winter Tree Inspections in Hillsborough County, Fl

By Mid-Florida Tree Service • February 13, 2026
Why This Is the Best Time to Check for Hidden Problems

Common Tree Problems in Polk County, FL

By Mid-Florida Tree Service • February 13, 2026
Trees add beauty, shade, and value to properties throughout Polk County. From Lakeland to Bartow to Mulberry, mature oaks, pines, and palms are a major part of the landscape. However, Florida’s climate creates unique challenges that can affect tree health if problems are not identified early. Understanding common tree issues in Polk County helps homeowners protect their investment and avoid costly removals. Storm Damage and Structural Weakness High winds and heavy rain are common throughout Polk County. Even if a tree survives a storm, hidden structural damage may remain. Common storm related issues include: Cracked or split trunks. Limbs with weak attachment points. Leaning trees due to root movement. Canopy imbalance after major limb loss. Internal decay caused by storm wounds. Early evaluation can determine whether corrective pruning can restore stability or if removal is necessary. Soil Compaction and Root Stress Many Polk County yards experience compacted soil due to foot traffic, construction, or heavy equipment. Compacted soil restricts oxygen flow to roots and limits water absorption. Signs of root stress include: Sparse canopy growth. Smaller than normal leaves. Premature leaf drop. Slow overall growth. Increased susceptibility to pests and disease. Relieving soil compaction and improving root conditions often restores tree vitality. Pest and Disease Issues Florida’s warm climate supports a wide range of pests and fungal diseases. Oaks, pines, and palms are especially vulnerable if already stressed. Common problems in Polk County include: Fungal growth at the base of trees. Leaf discoloration or spotting. Bark separation or oozing sap. Palm nutrient deficiencies. Insect activity in weakened wood. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate symptoms carefully before recommending treatment or removal. Improper Pruning Improper trimming can cause long term structural problems. Over pruning, topping, or removing healthy limbs weakens the tree and increases storm risk. We frequently see: Excessive canopy thinning. Large flush cuts that do not heal properly. Unbalanced canopy weight. Stress from removing too many green fronds on palms. Corrective pruning helps restore structure and reduce future risk. Root Damage From Construction Driveways, patios, and landscaping projects can damage roots without obvious signs at first. In Polk County neighborhoods with mature trees, root disturbance is a common cause of decline. Warning signs may include: Gradual thinning of the canopy. Increased branch drop. Soil settling near the base of the tree. Delayed decline months after construction. Professional evaluation helps determine whether damage can be managed. Proactive Tree Care in Polk County Most serious tree problems begin with subtle warning signs. Regular inspections and routine maintenance reduce the likelihood of emergency removals and storm failures. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate trees carefully and recommend practical solutions that protect your property and landscape. If you are concerned about a tree in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, or anywhere in Polk County, we are ready to help. Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a professional tree evaluation in Polk County.

Tree Trimming and Maintenance in Mulberry, FL

By Mid-Florida Tree Service • February 12, 2026
Tree trimming and routine maintenance are essential for keeping properties in Mulberry safe, attractive, and healthy. Mature oaks, pines, and palms are common throughout Mulberry neighborhoods, and without proper care they can become overgrown or structurally unbalanced. Regular trimming helps protect your home, improve curb appeal, and extend the life of your trees. Why Routine Tree Maintenance Matters Trees do not simply grow upward. They expand outward, increasing canopy weight and wind resistance over time. Without periodic maintenance, limbs can become too heavy, interfere with structures, or develop weak attachment points. Regular trimming helps: Reduce the risk of falling branches. Improve air flow and sunlight penetration. Prevent limbs from contacting roofs or fences. Encourage balanced growth. Maintain a clean and well kept appearance. In communities like Mulberry, where many properties feature established trees, maintenance is part of responsible ownership. Signs Your Trees May Need Trimming Many homeowners are unsure when to schedule trimming. Waiting until limbs break or scrape against the house often means maintenance is overdue. Common signs include: Branches extending over driveways or walkways. Limbs touching the roofline. Dead or declining branches in the canopy. Dense growth blocking sunlight. Visible cracks at branch unions. Addressing these issues early reduces the chance of storm related damage. Proper Trimming vs Over Trimming Correct trimming improves structure and strength. Over trimming can stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to wind. We focus on: Removing dead or weakened limbs. Reducing excess weight where needed. Maintaining natural canopy shape. Avoiding unnecessary removal of healthy growth. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate each tree individually to determine the appropriate approach for long term health. This makes us one of the preferred tree trimming services in Mulberry. Maintenance Plans for Mulberry Homeowners Ongoing maintenance often prevents larger problems later. We help homeowners in Mulberry develop a schedule based on species, size, and overall condition. A proactive approach can: Lower the likelihood of emergency service calls. Extend the lifespan of mature trees. Improve property value and appearance. Reduce storm damage risk. Tree care is most effective when it is consistent rather than reactive. Professional Tree Care in Mulberry and Polk County Whether you need routine trimming or a full tree health evaluation, professional guidance ensures the work is done safely and correctly. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, we understand the tree species and growing conditions common throughout Mulberry and Polk County. If your trees are overgrown or you want to establish a maintenance plan, we are ready to help. Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule tree trimming and maintenance for your Mulberry property.
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