Service area · Clearwater, FL
Clearwater property work, stump first
Harbor Oaks went up between 1914 and 1937 on a bluff over Clearwater Harbor, and it has been on the National Register since 1988. Old neighborhoods like it come with old trees.
Even the city parks describe themselves by their oaks. Moccasin Lake Nature Park sends its trails under a canopy of mature ones.
When one of those trees comes down, Gone Stumpin grinds out the stump and handles the clearing, trimming and property work around it. The owner is on every job.
Before a Clearwater lot gets cleared, check which trees are protected and whether a removal exemption applies. Protected-tree removal generally requires a city permit. City yard-waste collection covers material the property owner cut and gathered. Tree-trimming and landscaping companies must remove and dispose of the debris their work creates.
Clearwater stumps, branches and cleanup
Stump removal & grinding
Stumps ground down until you cannot see them. Keep the grindings or choose haul-away for a fee.
Stump grinding in ClearwaterLand clearing
Brush and overgrowth cleared off a lot. Check protected-tree requirements and any applicable removal exemption before clearing.
Land clearing in ClearwaterTree trimming & pruning
Branches and overgrowth that need attention. Duke Energy asks to be contacted before anyone prunes near power lines.
Tree trimming & pruning in ClearwaterPressure Washing
Pressure and soft washing for driveways, siding, roofs, pool cages, fences and decks.
Pressure Washing in ClearwaterClearwater collection and contractor debris
Check protected-tree rules
Clearwater generally requires a permit to remove protected trees. The city describes these as non-hazardous trees at least 4 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), or palms with 10 feet of clear, straight trunk. Exemptions can apply. Confirm the species, condition and property requirements with the tree permit office at (727) 562-4567.
The permit process
A permit costs $15 for up to five trees plus $3 for each tree after that. A city arborist inspects within 1 to 3 business days and approved removals have to happen within 6 months.
Which parcels follow city rules
City tree rules apply when the Property Appraiser lists the parcel tax district as Clearwater, CW, CWD or CWDO. Everything else nearby follows Pinellas County.
Cutting debris for pickup
Limbs and brush go to the curb cut to 4-foot lengths and bundled, with bags and boxes under 50 pounds. Limbs and stumps wider than 4 inches get cut to 4 feet or less and stacked. Call (727) 562-4920 for very bulky piles.
A yearly yard-waste limit
Yard waste goes out on your regular service day by 7 a.m. Clearwater allows 40 cubic yards of yard waste per calendar year per single-family home or multi-family dwelling unit. Household bulk items have a separate allowance.
Owner-cut material only
Clearwater collects only material the property owner cut and gathered. Tree-trimming and landscaping companies must remove and dispose of their job debris. For owner-cut material, Solid Waste may ask for the tree permit or arborist letter before pickup.
More Clearwater details
Storm cleanup, debris sizes and county rules that shape property work around Clearwater.
A city of 116,811
The census estimate for July 2024, with houses spread from the harbor bluffs to the preserves along Tampa Bay.
Storm cleanup after 2024
Clearwater ratified a $4.1 million debris removal order for Helene and received more than $6.19 million from FEMA for Milton debris removal.
Curbside piece sizes
City ordinance calls for palm fronds, branches and limbs to be cut under 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet long before they are stacked at the curb.
Pinellas County outside the city
Unincorporated Pinellas protects all mangrove and buttonwood trees and charges $150 per trunk inch for unauthorized removal.
Planning and Development
Tree permits run through the city office at 100 S. Myrtle Avenue. Applications and questions can go to epermit@myclearwater.com.
Solid Waste and Recycling
The city Solid Waste and Recycling office is at 1701 N. Hercules Avenue. Bulky piles get scheduled at (727) 562-4920.
Agree on the Clearwater job and cleanup
Send your Clearwater address and the job. The owner writes the estimate before work starts.
Clearwater landmarks with trees
A few places that show what kind of trees and ground Clearwater properties sit on.
Harbor Oaks
Historic residential district bounded by Druid Road, S. Fort Harrison Avenue, Lotus Path and Clearwater Harbor.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
A 54-acre preserve at 2750 Park Trail Lane with trails under mature oaks.
Cooper's Point Preserve
About 380 acres of mangrove and wetland habitat off Gulf to Bay Boulevard, including the 161-acre Cooper's Point Park.
Clearwater permits and collection questions
How fast does a Clearwater tree permit move?
A city arborist inspects within 1 to 3 business days, and approved removals have to happen within 6 months of approval.
What if a tree came down without a permit?
Clearwater Solid Waste may ask for the tree permit or the Florida hazardous tree arborist letter before it collects the debris.
Are palms protected in Clearwater?
The city includes palms with 10 feet of clear, straight trunk in its protected-tree guidance. Removal generally requires a permit, but exemptions can apply. Confirm the requirements for your palm and property with the tree permit office at (727) 562-4567.
What if a contractor cut my tree?
Clearwater requires the tree-trimming or landscaping company to remove and dispose of the debris its work creates. City collection is for material the property owner cut and gathered. Agree on the job debris and cleanup plan before work starts.
How should storm debris go out in Clearwater?
Sort it into separate piles for vegetation, construction debris, appliances and hazardous items. Keep piles clear of mailboxes, trees, hydrants, utility poles and water meters.
Who do I call about trees near power lines?
Duke Energy. It asks customers to contact it before pruning or removing trees near power lines.
What about addresses in unincorporated Pinellas County?
County tree rules apply there. On homesteaded single-family lots, only trees wider than 24 inches are protected, and the county disposal complex at 3095 114th Avenue North accepts tree stumps for a fee.
Are you insured?
Yes. Gone Stumpin carries commercial liability insurance. Ask for the certificate of insurance when you request your estimate.
Stump questions for Clearwater? See stump grinding in Clearwater.
Nearby service areas
Describe the Clearwater property’s next job
Call, text or send the estimate form with your Clearwater project address.