St. Johns County Tree Services
Tree Removal, Trimming & Permit Help
Custom Tree Surgeons provides the licensed, insured tree service St. Johns County homeowners trust — including tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and full permit handling — from St. Augustine to Ponte Vedra. For more than 35 years, owner and ISA Certified Arborist Scott Washington and our crews have safely removed hazardous trees and maintained healthy canopies across Northeast Florida. St. Johns County has some of the strictest, most layered tree ordinances in the region, and we don’t just cut the tree — we figure out which rules apply to your specific property and handle the permit for you.
(904) 292-9226 · Same-day estimates
Tree Services We Offer in St. Johns County
Here’s what each service is, when you need it, and why a certified pro is worth it.
Tree Trimming & Pruning
Trimming shapes a tree and clears hazards; pruning targets dead, diseased, or crossing limbs to protect long-term health. You need it when branches overhang the roof, block sightlines, or crowd power lines. In coastal St. Johns County, salt air, wind, and fast growth all take a toll — dense canopies become sails in a storm. An ISA Certified Arborist knows precisely where and how much to cut, avoiding the topping and over-thinning that weaken a tree and invite rot. It also matters here because improper work on a protected tree can carry ordinance consequences.
Stump Grinding
A leftover stump is a tripping hazard, a home for pests and fungi, and a source of new suckers. Grinding removes it 6–12 inches below grade so you can replant, sod, or reclaim the space. You need it whenever a stump is left behind. Professionals manage surface roots, avoid buried utilities and irrigation, and clean up the grindings — not something a rental machine handles well.
Storm & Emergency Tree Removal
When a tree uproots, splits, or drops a limb onto a roof, driveway, or power line, it's an emergency. Our crews respond 24/7 across St. Johns County after hurricanes, nor'easters, and high-wind events. This is the most dangerous work in arboriculture — trees under tension can snap violently and downed lines may be energized. Certified crews assess the load, rig safely, and coordinate around utilities. And even under strict local ordinances, genuinely hazardous trees can often be removed quickly under Florida's hazardous-tree law (more below).
Tree Health & Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is a professional evaluation of a tree's structure, health, and likelihood of failure. Get one after a storm or when you notice leaning, cracks, deadwood, or fungus at the base. This service is especially valuable in St. Johns County: a certified arborist's written documentation that a tree is dangerous is exactly what Florida law requires to remove or trim it without going through the normal permit process. We can tell a tree that needs pruning from one that's a true hazard — and document it properly.
Proudly Serving All of St. Johns County, FL
With over 35 years serving Northeast Florida, Custom Tree Surgeons knows St. Johns County — from historic St. Augustine’s protected canopy to the master-planned communities of Nocatee and World Golf Village. We work throughout St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, World Golf Village, Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Elkton, and Hastings. We understand the coastal soils and salt exposure near the beaches, the mature specimen trees inland, and — crucially — how tree rules change from one jurisdiction to the next within this single county. That local knowledge means faster quotes, fewer surprises, and permit paperwork handled correctly the first time.
Tree Service Costs in St. Johns County, FL
These ranges are estimates based on market data for tree work throughout the Northeast Florida region. Every property is different, so your exact price depends on the factors described below.
Several factors drive the final price. Tree size and species matter most — a mature, dense oak takes far more time and rigging than a slim pine. Crane and access requirements for very tall trees, or trees wedged near a home, add cost. Proximity to structures and power lines raises both risk and difficulty. And in St. Johns County specifically, permit and arborist documentation requirements can add time and paperwork to a job — one more reason to work with a team that handles that end for you. A free on-site quote gets you an exact number with no surprises.
| Tree Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $150 – $500 |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Large (60+ ft) | $1,500 – $3,000+ |
| Stump Grinding | $100 – $400 per stump |
Do You Need a St. Johns County Tree Removal Permit?
This is the question that trips up most homeowners, because the answer changes depending on exactly where your property sits. Here’s how it breaks down — and why most people would rather we sort it out for them.
Unincorporated St. Johns County
Ponte Vedra Zoning District
Ponte Vedra adds its own layer of rules. Under Ordinance 2020-38, residential lots in that specific zoning district require a separate Protected Tree Removal Permit — on top of the county-wide rules. If your property is in Ponte Vedra, you may be dealing with two sets of requirements at once.
City of St. Augustine
The City of St. Augustine has its own, separate municipal ordinance. Within city limits, a permit is required for any tree 3 inches or larger in diameter, with a filing fee, and the Southern Red Cedar receives specific protection. This is a completely different process from unincorporated county rules — a common source of confusion for homeowners near the historic district.
Hazardous Trees — the exception homeowners should know
Here’s a genuinely useful, citable fact: Florida Statute 163.045 allows a property owner to remove or trim a tree that a certified arborist has documented, in writing, as a danger to people or property — even where a local ordinance would otherwise restrict it. That written documentation is exactly the kind of assessment our ISA Certified Arborists provide, which can save you significant time when a tree is a true hazard.
Because these rules differ by jurisdiction within the same county, most homeowners don’t want to untangle it themselves. Our team determines which rules apply to your specific property and handles the permit application from start to finish.
For authoritative details, we reference the St. Johns County Land Development Code / Environmental Division and, for in-city properties, the City of St. Augustine tree ordinance page.
Why St. Johns County Homeowners Choose Custom Tree Surgeons
- 35+ years in business serving St. Johns County and Northeast Florida
- Licensed and insured on every job
- ISA Certified Arborists, led by owner Scott Washington
- Full permit handling across county, Ponte Vedra, and City of St. Augustine rules
- 24/7 storm and emergency response
- Full cleanup — debris hauled, property left clean
- Rated 4.8 stars across 116+ reviews and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating
Reviews
“Highly recommend CTS they’re the Cadillac of tree service, awesome price, awesome service. They clean up after themselves and you can barely tell they were there, beside the tree(s) missing….Steve is always a pleasure to work with. This is our second time using them as well as two or three other neighbors. Will call them anytime I need tree service.“
– Curtis Lee
“I had a large leaning tree in the back of my house after a storm and called five different companies for a quote to help me bringing it down. Custom Tree Surgeons gave me the best price and gave me the confidence of dealing with people who know what they are doing from the first visit. Other companies could not avoid using the usual scare tactics to just jack up the price.
The fact that they were able to complete the task in just an hour doesn’t mean it was easy or small. They just have the right equipment, the experience, the know-how and the skill to tackle a large tree with confidence. I felt I was dealing with a no-hassle and honest company. They did a good job.”
– Dr. F.
“They are quick on responding and very professional. And price is reasonable and much cheaper than other companies we called. From calling them to actually doing the work was all within a few days. They cut down three trees which include a 100 feet pine. The lift wasn’t high enough and they have to climb the tree in order to cut it piece by piece. They cleaned up everything and blowed the area. We couldn’t be happier with they work!“
– Ruikuan Wang
St. Johns County Tree Service FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in St. Johns County?
Often, yes. Unincorporated St. Johns County requires a permit to remove Protected, Specimen, or Historic trees, and rules get stricter in Ponte Vedra and the City of St. Augustine. We determine what applies to your property and handle the permit.
Does Ponte Vedra have different tree removal rules than the rest of St. Johns County?
Yes. Under Ordinance 2020-38, residential lots in the Ponte Vedra zoning district require a separate Protected Tree Removal Permit on top of the county-wide rules — so Ponte Vedra homeowners may face two sets of requirements.
Does the City of St. Augustine require a separate tree removal permit?
Yes. Inside city limits, a permit is required for any tree 3 inches or larger in diameter, with a filing fee, and the Southern Red Cedar has special protection. It’s a different process from unincorporated county rules.
Can I remove a hazardous tree without a permit in Florida?
Often, yes. Florida Statute 163.045 lets a property owner remove or trim a tree that a certified arborist has documented in writing as a danger to people or property — even where a local ordinance would otherwise restrict it. Our arborists provide that documentation.
How much does tree removal cost in St. Johns County, FL?
Most removals run from about $150 for a small tree to $3,000 or more for a very large one, depending on size, species, crane/access needs, and permit requirements. A free on-site estimate gives you an exact price.
How long does the tree removal permit process take?
It varies by jurisdiction and tree type. Because we handle permitting regularly across the county, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine, we can give you a realistic timeline for your specific property when we quote the job.
Do you handle palm tree trimming?
Yes. Palms have specific trimming needs, and over-trimming (“hurricane cuts”) can harm them — our crews trim palms correctly for health and storm safety.
What areas of St. Johns County do you serve?
All of it — St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, World Golf Village, Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Elkton, and Hastings.
Contact Custom Tree Surgeons Today
Between county code, Ponte Vedra rules, and City of St. Augustine ordinances, tree work here is complicated — but it doesn’t have to be your problem to solve. Get a free, no-obligation estimate from a licensed, insured team that has served St. Johns County for over 35 years, handles the permits, and cleans up when the job’s done. Call (904) 292-9226 for same-day estimates and 24/7 emergency response — professional tree service St. Johns County homeowners trust, permit help included.