1. Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education
Module #11:
Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning
Laura Sanagorski, Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty
Bill DuMond, Palm Beach County Extension Service Program Assistant

2. Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy
2012 Urban Forestry Series
This series is a part of a project titled “Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy Through Education”.
This project is made possible by  a grant through the 2011 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Forest Service.

3. Mangrove Pruning

4. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Mangroves serve as a habitat for various species of wildlife
Mangroves provide many benefits to us and our environment. They serve as a habitat for various species of marine wildlife and also some mammals and other types of wildlife.
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Management

5. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Mangroves stabilize shorelines and provide protection from storms
Mangroves assist in preventing shoreline erosion and stabilize shorelines with their roots and trunks. They also provide protection from wind and storm surge.
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Management

6. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Mangroves protect water quality
Mangroves assist with maintaining and improving the quality of our coastal waters by serving as a filter of pollutants, nutrients, sediments and other materials.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

7. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Mangroves serve as a food web support for fish
Mangroves serve as a food web support for young and mature fish alike.
Mangroves directly support countless food webs.
The mangrove forest provides protected nursery areas for fishes, crustaceans, and shellfish that are important to both commercial and sport fisheries.
Illustration: ProtectFlReefs

8. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Because it’s the law!!
1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
It’s because of these important roles that the 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act was enacted to help protect mangroves from improper trimming and pruning that could lead to their death and destruction.
Photo: University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

9. Red Mangrove Photo: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
There are 3 species of mangroves native to Florida. The first we’ll talk about is the red mangrove.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

10. Red Mangrove Named for color inside bark of the tree
Usually found in tidal areas
Seeds are pencil-shaped “propagules” growing to ten inches long
Known for their “prop” roots
Very sensitive to trimming, especially topping
The red mangrove is named for the reddish color inside the bark of the tree.
These mangroves are usually found in tidal areas growing close to the water.
Their seeds are pencil-shaped propagules that grow to 10 inches long.
Red mangrove are well known for their interlocking network of “prop” roots or “aerial roots” that extend from the main trunk and lateral branches and grow down to the water until they reach the substrate. These prop roots aid in air, nutrient, and salt exchange for the tree.
The red mangrove is very sensitive to trimming. New growth originates from the apical meristem of the red mangrove and when these areas are cut it can be detrimental to the health of the mangrove.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Management

11. Black Mangrove Photo: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The next mangrove that is native to Florida is the Black Mangrove.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Management

12. Black Mangrove Named for the dark bark of the tree
Leaves are often encrusted in salt
Conditioned for saline and basin-like areas
Seeds are smaller than red mangrove
Known for upward growing “pencil” roots
Sensitive to trimming
The black mangrove is named for the dark bark of the tree.
Their leaves aid in salt exchange and are often encrusted in salt.
The black mangroves are conditioned for saline and basin-like areas and their……..
Seeds are smaller than red mangrove “propagules”.
Black mangroves are known for their pencil-like roots called pneumatophores that grow up from the substrate for several feet from the base of the trunk, similar to the cypress tree. Like the red mangrove, these roots aid in air, salt, and nutrient exchange and like the red mangrove, they are very sensitive to trimming.
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Management
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Mgmt.

13. White Mangrove Photo: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The third mangrove native to Florida is the white mangrove.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

14. White Mangrove Named for the whitish color of the bark
Leaves have sugar secreting glands at
the base
No aerial root system like the other
mangroves
Generally located in higher elevations
Tolerates trimming better than the other mangroves
The white mangrove is named for the whitish color of the bark.
Their leaves have sugar secreting glands at the base which are said to attract ants that assist in controlling nuisance insects.
Unlike the other mangroves, the white mangrove does not have an aerial root system and is usually characterized by a single trunk.
White mangroves are generally located in higher elevations compared to the other mangroves and generally do not tolerate the extent of flooding that the other mangroves do.
They do however tolerate trimming better than the other mangroves.
Photo: Palm Beach County
Environmental Resource Management

15. Mangrove Forest Illustration: UF / IFAS
This illustration depicts a typical layout of the mangrove forest. The red mangroves tend to grow in or right on the edge of the water and at times their roots are completely submerged. The black mangrove usually grows a little further inland in the coastal tidal areas where it can only be reached at high tide. The white mangrove grows the furthest inland and is also found in tidal areas. The buttonwood is often associated with the mangrove community but is not a true mangrove and is frequently found in the upland transitional zone.
Now that we’ve looked at the types of mangroves native to Florida we’ll take a quick look at the general intent of the Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act.
Illustration: UF / IFAS

16. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
Intent
Protect and preserve mangrove resources
No trimming or alteration on uninhabited islands or conservation and mitigation areas
Provide owners right of view
Encourage owners to maintain mangroves
The Act was established to protect & preserve mangrove resources.
The Act states that no trimming or alteration of mangroves can be conducted on publicly owned, uninhabited islands or lands set aside for conservation or mitigation
It was enacted to provide owners their riparian right of view that doesn’t result in the removal, defoliation, or destruction of mangroves
It was enacted to encourage waterfront owners to voluntarily maintain their mangroves, to encourage mangrove growth, and to plant mangroves

17. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
Jupiter couple face $1.6 million penalty for removing protected plants
Jupiter councilman suggests
pursuing criminal charges against mangrove cutters
Illegal mangrove cutting on
Ft. Myers beach
One of the more notable cases of trimming violations in PBC occurred in Jupiter where permits weren’t pulled and the trimming was excessive.
Photo: Palm Beach Post

18. Mangrove Trimming Exemptions Individual Permit General permit
When it comes to mangrove trimming under the Preservation and Trimming Act there are 3 categories that regulate the extent of trimming that can be conducted:
There is an exemption category
A General Permit category
And a Individual Permit category

19. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
Exemptions
Riparian Mangrove Fringe (RMF) – Areas where mangroves along the shoreline </= 50 feet
First we’ll look at the exemptions from permitting that are offered for any trimming that is being done in a Riparian Mangrove Fringe.
The Riparian Mangrove Fringe (RMF) is the area where a band of mangroves along the shoreline is no more than 50 feet from the most landward trunk to the most waterward trunk measured perpendicularly from the shoreline. The hatched areas in the illustration depict those mangroves that are exempt from permitting.
Illustration: Bill DuMond – PBC Cooperative Ext.

20. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
Exemptions
Mangroves may be trimmed when </= 10 feet
Mangrove trimmed to overall height >/= 6 feet
Property shoreline </= 150 feet - 65% may be trimmed
Mangroves < 10 feet being maintained or reestablished via trimming
According to the Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act, a permit is not required when:
The mangroves being trimmed within the RMF on a property do not exceed 10 feet.
An exemption from permitting is offered when the mangroves being trimmed are not trimmed so that their overall height is less than 6 feet.
The exemption only applies to a property shoreline of 150 feet or less. When the property shoreline exceeds 150 feet in length, only 65% of the mangrove area may be trimmed.
An exemption from permitting is offered when mangroves that are less than 10 feet are being maintained or reestablished via trimming. The homeowner may reestablish the height of a previous, legally attained mangrove configuration if the mangroves to be trimmed do not exceed 24 feet in pre-trimmed height.

21. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
Exemptions
Mangroves may be trimmed when </= 24 feet
Trees > 16 feet trimmed in stages </= 25% of foliage removed annually
Mangroves feet being maintained or reestablished via trimming
Trimming of red mangroves for 1st time by Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) must notify authorities
The following exemptions are offered for mangrove trimming that is supervised or conducted by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer. We’ll discuss who qualifies as a PMT a little further in the presentation:
Exemptions are offered when the mangroves being trimmed within the RMF on a property do not exceed 24 feet in height and as long as the mangroves are not trimmed to less than 6 feet.
Exemptions are offered when the trimming of mangroves over 16 feet tall in pre-trimmed height are trimmed in stages so that no more that 25% of the foliage is removed annually.
Exemptions are offered when mangroves between 10 feet and 24 feet are being maintained or reestablished via trimming.
It should be noted when a PMT is trimming red mangroves for the first time under this exemption they must notify DEP or the local government in writing at least 10 days prior to the trimming.
We’ve touched briefly on the subject of exemptions under this section of the Preservation and Trimming Act. It is highly recommended that before conducting any type of mangrove trimming that you familiarize with this and all sections of the Act.

22. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
General Permit is required:
Trimming done in area where Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hasn’t delegated authority
Trimming conducted or supervised by PMT
Mangroves extend </= 500 feet
</= 65% of mangroves > 6 feet trimmed
Trimming of mangroves to provide clearance for watercraft navigation
No herbicides or chemicals used
Activities that do not qualify for an exemption may qualify for a general permit. This permit is required if:
The trimming is conducted in an area where the Department of Environmental Protection hasn’t delegated the authority to regulate mangroves to a local government.
A general permit is required when the trimming is to be conducted or supervised exclusively by a PMT.
A general permit is required when the mangroves subject to trimming do not extend more than 500 feet waterward as measured from the trunk of the most landward mangrove tree in a direction perpendicular to the shoreline.
A general permit is required when no more than 65% of the mangroves along the shoreline exceeding 6 feet will be trimmed.
And a general permit is required when Trimming of mangroves within existing navigational channels, basins, or canals to provide clearance for watercraft navigation is being conducted. This particular trimming must be supervised or conducted exclusively by a PMT.
It should be noted that no herbicides or chemicals shall be used for removing leaves from the mangroves.

23. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
General Permit
Permit used once to trim to achieve height >/= 6 feet
Trimming done in stages so </= 25% of foliage removed annually
$ permit fee
The General Permits under this section of the Act are subject to the following conditions:
A general permit may only be used once on any parcel to achieve a mangrove height of no less than 6 feet.
And the trimming must be conducted in stages so that no more than 25% of the foliage is removed annually.
Additionally, a $ fee is required for a general permit.

24. 1996 Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act
Individual Permit is required:
Trimming or alterations not under an exemption or a General Permit
Trimming > 500 feet from the shoreline
Where mitigation may be required
Permit fee required:
1-19 trees - $420.00
20 + trees - $830.00
According to the Mangrove Preservation and Trimming Act, an individual permit is required:
When trimming or alterations cannot be performed under an exemption or a General Permit.
When the trimming of mangroves occurs beyond a depth greater than 500 feet from the shoreline.
When any alterations to the mangroves are being conducted such as exotic plant removal.
And in any circumstances where mitigation may be required.
A permit fee of $420 is required for 1-19 mangroves and $830 is required for 20 plus mangroves.

25. Professional Mangrove Trimmers
We mentioned PMTs earlier in the presentation module. In order to be designated a PMT you must fall under one of the following professional categories:
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

26. Professional Mangrove Trimmers
International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists
Certified Wetland Scientists
Environmental Professionals
Landscape Architects
Professional Mangrove Trimmer
You have to be a:
Certified Arborists as designated by the I.S.A.
A Wetland Scientists certified by the Society of Wetland Scientists.
An Environmental Professional certified by the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals.
Landscape Architects currently licensed in Florida.
And persons recognized as PMT from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

27. Sea Grape Pruning

28. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a habitat for birds, lizards, gopher tortoise, butterflies, and other wildlife
We now move onto seagrapes which also are protected by statutes and guidelines regarding their pruning.
Seagrapes also play an important role as they serve as a habitat for birds, lizards, gopher tortoise, butterflies, squirrels, and other species of wildlife.
Photo: USDI National Park Service,
Bugwood.org

29. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a food source for native birds, mammals, and other wildlife
They also serve as a food source for native birds, mammals, and other species of wildlife.
Photo: Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org

30. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a stabilizer for beaches and dunes
Seagrapes are important because they serve as a stabilizer for beaches and dunes. Their leathery, broad leaves, which can grow to be 10 inches wide, trap windblown sand and assist in building up the dune.
Photo: University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Photo: USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org

31. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes protect oceanfront
property from erosion, sand,
and salt spray
Seagrapes also protect oceanfront property from storm induced erosion and blowing sand and salt spray.
Photo: Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org

32. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a protector to nesting sea turtles
And finally, seagrapes are substantially important for the protection of nesting sea turtle habitats.
Photo: University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Photo: University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

33. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a barrier to artificial lighting
Seagrapes serve as a natural barrier to artificial light pollution, blocking the light from nesting beaches and minimizing upland glow. In this illustration we see an oceanfront home with exterior lighting that is shielded from a large stand of seagrape. The owner would like to trim back the seagrape in order to improve the view from the balcony.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

34. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a barrier to artificial lighting
This illustration depicts the effect that improper pruning can have. The seagrapes have been trimmed too short and while this has allowed for a better view of the ocean it also deters adult females from emerging from the surf to nest. Improper pruning can also disorient hatchlings from heading toward the natural light on the ocean horizon. A dark dune silhouette comprised of seagrapes keeps the hatchlings from heading in the wrong direction.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

35. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Sea grapes serve as a barrier to artificial lighting
This illustration depicts the effect that proper pruning can have. The seagrapes have been trimmed to allow a view from the balcony and still provide a barrier to the artificial lighting. To further assist from light pollution, downlights and lower wattage yellow bug bulbs have been installed. This combination of correct pruning and downward lighting helps to protect the sea turtle habitat.
So we see the importance of seagrapes within the environment. In fact, they are so essential to the environment that they are also protected by law.
Photo: Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

36. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Because it’s the law!!
- Florida Statutes – (2)(a)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Federal Endangered Species Act 1973
- Florida Statutes Chapter – Marine Turtle Protection Act
The Florida legislature recognized the importance of coastal plants, including seagrapes, and enacted a Florida Statute stating that no person, firm, corporation or government agency shall damage or cause to be damaged sand dunes or the vegetation growing on them.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection requires a permit for any trimming or altering of native vegetation on the seaward side of the Coastal Construction Line if the trimming potentially results in damage to the vegetation.
The ever increasing amount of light pollution has resulted in sea turtle mortality and in order to protect these creatures Chapter of the Florida Statutes was enacted and the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 was developed to monitor the maintenance of seagrapes and keep them in compliance.
Photo: Northeastern University, Bugwood.org

37. Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning Why so Important?
Department of Environmental Protection Sea Grape Pruning Guidelines
Do not trim more than 1/3 of height
Do not trim more than 1/3 of leaf area annually
Do not reduce height less than 6 feet
All sea grape seaward of the CCCL subject to permitting
Shrub trimming > 42 inches requires permit
Tree trimming < 6 feet requires permit
The FDEP offers the following guidelines for pruning seagrapes:
All trimming should be limited to 1/3 of the height of the seagrape
No more than 1/3 of the leaf area of the seagrape should be trimmed annually.
The seagrape should never be trimmed below a height of 6 feet.
A permit is required for any pruning of a seagrape that is located on the seaward side of the established Coastal Construction Line.
Permits are also required to prune a seagrape that is less than 42 inches in height and also for a tree greater than 6 feet.

38. Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education
Module #11:
Mangrove and Sea Grape Pruning
Laura Sanagorski, Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty
Bill DuMond, Palm Beach County Extension Service Program Assistant