Licensed Local Vegetation Contractor: Hire an Educated Coastal Professional

Coastal vegetation contractors are trained to safely work in sensitive aquatic zones while protecting mangroves and wildlife.

Sanibel Island isn’t just a destination—it’s a delicate ecosystem. Protecting its unique native vegetation requires more than care; it requires compliance, knowledge, and deep local expertise.

Why It Matters Now

Sanibel Island’s Land Development Code protects coastal native vegetation. Property owners must follow strict regulations, especially when removing or trimming protected trees. A City of Sanibel licensed vegetation contractor is trained to work within these codes—ensuring native plant preservation, shoreline integrity, and legal compliance.

With post-hurricane recovery efforts and coastal development on the rise, now is the time to work with a contractor who doesn’t just understand landscaping—they understand the law, the land, and how to speak the language of local agencies.

The Value of Hiring Local, Licensed Experts

Licensed vegetation contractors, like The Mangrove Mama, follow strict local codes to preserve native plants while maintaining shoreline integrity.

• Regulation-Ready: Sanibel requires mitigation plans or relocation strategies when protected native trees are impacted.

• Preservation-Focused: Local vegetation contractors identify key species worth saving and understand how to trim or restore without damaging root systems or natural buffers.

• Agency-Aligned: Professionals know how to prepare vegetation inventories, navigate permitting, and speak with agencies like the City of Sanibel and FDEP.

  
  

Coastal Natives & Cultural Legacy

Some native plants on Sanibel have medicinal properties and historic significance—used by the Caloosa Indians and early settlers. Species like sea grape, cocoplum, and green buttonwood do more than beautify the island—they anchor its culture and coastal resilience.

By hiring a contractor who understands the value of these species, you contribute to:

• Habitat integrity

• Shoreline protection

• Ecological balance

• Cultural preservation

“It’s all about the plants. When we step onto a property, we’re not just looking at vegetation—we’re looking at the island’s heritage, storm protection, and the health of the entire coastal ecosystem.” — Lori Vogt, The Mangrove Mama

Exotic & Nuisance Species: A Shoreline Threat

While mangroves are strong defenders, invasive plants often float in on high tides, competing for sunlight, space, and nutrients.

Strategic trimming of nuisance species restores sightlines and ecological balance while complying with Sanibel's permitting laws.

Brazilian pepper is a non-native species that spreads aggressively and displaces native vegetation along the shoreline.

Common culprits include:

• Brazilian pepper

• Pongam tree

• Carrotwood

• Lead tree

• Coin vine

• Mahoe

These species can:

• Outcompete mangrove propagules

• Destabilize sediment

• Decrease shoreline resilience

Licensed contractors use water-safe herbicides and hand-trimming techniques to remove and treat invasive plants without harming native vegetation. This restoration allows mangrove propagules to take root and flourish.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t attempt exotic removal without a licensed contractor.

• Don’t hire general tree services unfamiliar with coastal laws.

• Don’t assume annual trimming isn’t necessary—nature always regrows.

  
  

Action Steps for Property Owners:

• Hire a City of Sanibel licensed vegetation contractor.

• Schedule a shoreline vegetation assessment.

• Create a native plant mitigation plan before site work.

• Maintain annual exotic removal and trimming.

How Mighty Mangroves Can Help

We understand Sanibel’s ecosystem because we’ve been part of it for decades. Whether you need a tree inventory, shoreline restoration, or exotic vegetation removal, our team knows the regulations, the science, and the heart behind every project.

• Professional Mangrove Trimming

• Exotic and Nuisance Vegetation Removal

• Mitigation & Landscape Plans

• Permitting & Agency Coordination

Ready to protect your shoreline the right way?

Request a Quote or call 239-788-1600 to connect with a licensed vegetation expert.

Citations

• City of Sanibel Vegetation Permitting Info https://www.mysanibel.com/government/natural-resources/useful-links/vegetation-information

• Florida DEP Environmental Resource Permitting https://floridadep.gov/water/submerged-lands-environmental-resources-coordination/content/environmental-resource-permitting