Ocala Tree RemovalMarion County, Florida (352) 820-5832
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Tree trimming and pruning in Ocala

Taking weight and deadwood out without starting decay.

Call (352) 820-5832 Describe the job

Good pruning takes weight off long limbs, lifts branches clear of the roof and drive, and removes deadwood before it falls. A poor cut can open the door to decay, and inside Ocala heavy cutting can even count as removing the tree.

Where the cut goes

Where a pruning cut goes (simplified, not to scale)branch collar (the swollen base)Flush cutcut into the collar;listed as tree abuseJust outside the collarwhere the cut belongsStubleft too long; also listed
Simplified, not to scale. Flush cuts and stubs are both on Marion County's list of tree abuse.

Marion County's Land Development Code lists pruning that leaves stubs or makes flush cuts among the forms of tree abuse, along with hatracking, splitting limb ends, stripping more than a third of the bark around the trunk, and using climbing spikes except for a total removal or other ANSI-permitted use. For laurel oaks the stakes are higher: UF/IFAS says an improper pruning cut can lead to decay columns running 10, 20 or more feet inside the trunk.

Topping inside city limits

The City of Ocala's tree permit application treats topping a tree, removing more than a quarter of its foliage in a year, or otherwise destroying its natural shape as unauthorized tree removal. If someone proposes cutting a tree back to stubs to make it "safer," ask whether the city's permit rules apply to your lot first.

Near power lines, call the utility

Ocala Electric Utility asks customers and tree contractors to call before pruning near lines; an arborist visits free of charge and decides what help is needed. Details on trees near power lines.

Prices

We couldn't find a published trimming price for Ocala or Orlando. As reference points, Angi's Orlando guides list tree branch removal at $75 to $260 and tree pros at $180 to $240 an hour. Ask for the quote to say which limbs come off and whether the brush is hauled.

Sources

  1. Marion County Land Development Code, Article 6, Divisions 7 to 9: tree protection and landscaping (6/3/2013)
  2. UF/IFAS Extension: Quercus laurifolia: Laurel Oak (ENH-707, revised December 2018)
  3. City of Ocala Growth Management Department: Tree Removal Permit Application (revised 1/22/2025)
  4. City of Ocala Electric Utility: Pruning Trees
  5. Angi: How Much Does Tree Debris Removal Cost in Orlando, FL? (Barbara Bellesi Zito, updated May 14, 2026)
  6. Angi: How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Orlando, FL? (Kate Fann, updated August 9, 2026)

Checked October 27, 2026. Fees, rules and price surveys change, so treat the linked original as the final word.

Common questions

Is topping a tree allowed in Ocala?

The city's tree permit application treats topping, or taking more than a quarter of a tree's foliage in a year, as unauthorized tree removal. Check whether your lot falls under the city's permit rules.

What is a flush cut?

A cut made tight against the trunk, through the branch collar. Marion County's code lists flush cuts and stubs among prohibited tree abuse.

Get a pruning quote

Phone us or fill in the form. The request goes to a tree contractor working in Ocala and Marion County, who calls back and arranges to see the tree. Asking is free.

Call (352) 820-5832

If the call goes to voicemail, say your name, a number, the street address and which tree is the problem.

Which tree is it?

This goes to an independent tree contractor serving Marion County, who follows up with you. Privacy