County: Live oaks outgrowing small lots

MANATEE — Live oak trees are an endangered species on new, small-lot residential developments in Manatee County.

The Manatee County Natural Resources Department has recommended a change in the land development code to require the use of small trees like hollies instead of live oaks and other large trees on single-family lots less than 60 feet wide, a plan that drew impassioned opposition from developers and nursery owners Tuesday.

County Urban Forestry Manager Bill Bors told county commissioners during a workshop the move is necessary because the sprawling root systems of live oaks damage water and irrigation systems, not to mention driveways and sidewalks, in the front yards of small lots.

The county’s land development code currently requires a canopy tree to be planted within 25 feet of the right of way of all lots of new home developments.

Bors got support from Matt Schmidt, a property supervisor at Waterlefe who said he has had to replace several live oaks in his community.

“It has been since day one a nightmare,” Schmidt said. “In no way can that live oak not interfere with those utilities.”

Of the 16 people who spoke to commissioners, half opposed the proposal. Developers, like Pat Neal of Neal Communities, said large canopy trees like live oaks are vital to the appeal and market value of their homes.

“We come from a philosophical difference,” Neal said of Bors. “We want a beautiful tree in front of a home.”

Nursery owners Darrell Turner, president of Turner Tree and Landscape, and Mac Carraway, president of SMR Farms, said they have invested in live oaks because the county historically has encouraged their use. Turner told commissioners his business has about 100,000 live oaks.

“Please don’t outlaw live oaks,” Turner said.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said Bors’ proposal may infringe on the rights of property owners who should choose what trees go on their lots, a sentiment seconded by the developers.

“We think the consumer should determine the look of the community,” said Peter Logan, vice president of Medallion Homes.

Brad Hawkins, a member of the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Board, which is also the Manatee County Tree Board, said live oaks are a “calling card for our coast” and offered to have the board make a recommendation to commissioners.

County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said he will convene a meeting next week between county staff, developers and others to seek a solution. He plans to bring a recommendation before the commission in October, he said.

“As you can hear, we are not of one voice today,” Hunzeker said.

“I’ve spent more time on oak trees in the past few weeks than I ever thought I would.”