Florida doesn’t get much of a winter, but the short break in growth makes it a good time to start planning for spring. When it comes to trees on your property, waiting too long can lead to issues once things start to grow again. Ordering a tree survey in Florida before the end of winter gives you a clearer picture of what you’re working with and helps avoid costly mistakes later.

A tree survey might seem like a small step, but it plays a big role in keeping your property safe and ready for changes. It gives you the information needed to move forward with confidence, especially if you’re thinking about adding a pool, changing your yard, or prepping for new construction. By acting before spring gets into full swing, you avoid a time crunch and get ahead of the crowd.

Understanding What a Tree Survey Includes

Before any yard work or building starts, it helps to know exactly what kind of trees are on your land. A tree survey shows details about each one, and that information makes it easier to make smart decisions.

• The survey records tree names, sizes, heights, and where they sit on the property

• It notes whether the trees are healthy, damaged, overcrowded, or showing signs of disease

• The report can also flag trees protected by local codes. These may not be removed or trimmed without permission

With that level of detail, you’re not guessing. Property owners can plan around trees rather than run into problems after digging has already started. This is especially helpful in Florida, where tree rules often change depending on city or county guidelines. A tree that looks fine from the street might need a plan before it comes down, and having the right info early makes that step easier to manage.

Will’s Service Group provides tree survey reports that include digital maps of tree locations and key features, making it easy to share accurate info with contractors or officials. On our site, property owners can see that we prepare surveys for both residential and commercial lots throughout Florida.

Planning for Spring Construction or Landscaping

If you’re thinking about breaking ground on something new this spring, timing matters. Once the busy season begins, especially across Florida, it can get harder to line things up. Having a tree survey ahead of time sets you up to move forward without delays.

• You’ll know where you can build without hitting roots or risking tree removal halfway through

• It’s easier to design around existing trees when their exact placement and size have already been logged

• Crews can avoid off-limits zones, like roots near septic tanks or trunks that sit too close to new structures

Late winter is a smart time to take care of this step. It’s easier to walk the property, trees aren’t as thick with leaves, and you get time to adjust plans before contractors get booked solid. Waiting until March or April could mean pushing your whole project back by weeks, especially if tree permits are involved.

Preventing Property Damage and Safety Hazards

Old trees don’t always show their problems right away. Weak limbs, hidden decay, or root damage can go unnoticed until a strong wind or heavy rain makes things worse. A survey gives you a chance to deal with those risks while the weather is still mild.

• It flags trees that lean, crack at the base, or have soft spots showing inside the bark

• Root systems that lift sidewalks, crowd plumbing lines, or press into foundations can be identified early

• Some trees grow too close together, increasing the chance of breakage once the rainy season hits

Getting ahead of these problems before spring storms hit gives you more control. It’s easier to schedule trimming, removal, or protective steps when you’re not working around weather or emergency damage.

Meeting Local Rules and Permits

Tree rules aren’t always easy to read, but they’re a big deal in Florida. Whether you’re in a smaller town or a larger city, bylaws often limit which trees you can remove, how many you can take out, and whether replacements are required.

• Tree surveys make it easier to apply for permits with the exact info needed

• Marked maps from the survey help local officials see what’s being removed and why

• Getting this done before spring helps you avoid long waits when everyone else is filing paperwork too

By starting now, you’re less likely to run into hang-ups. You’ll also reduce the risk of doing unauthorized work or removing a tree that turns out to be protected. The margins in property planning are tight, so it’s better to stay on the safe side.

How Tree Surveys Help Avoid Costly Mistakes

Skipping a tree survey might seem like a time-saver, but it usually leads to larger problems. Putting up a fence or patio, installing a new driveway, or expanding a home gets harder when unexpected roots or canopies show up mid-project.

• Features may need to be moved last-minute, which can throw off timelines and budgets

• Failing to spot protected trees could result in fines or project shutdowns

• Repairing damage from missed trees can cost more than the survey itself

We’ve seen how one overlooked root can delay concrete work, or how a neighbor’s tree causes issues that weren’t flagged ahead of time. Planning with a survey helps avoid these common missteps.

Start the Season with a Clearer Plan

Every winter in Florida comes with a short window to get ahead, and this one is no different. A quick, thoughtful tree survey gives you the information you need to step into the spring season with less stress on your plate.

When you know exactly where your trees are, how healthy they are, and which ones could cause trouble, you’re not reacting under pressure. You’re ready. Planning early is what often separates a drawn-out project from a smooth one, and there’s still time left to do it right.

At Will’s Service Group, we understand how quickly spring projects can go off track when tree details are missed. Having a clear map of the trees on your Florida property keeps everything moving smoothly, from building plans to permit approvals. Planning ahead during this ideal time of year means you can schedule a tree survey in Florida and take advantage of the best conditions for early inspections. Let’s get your property ready for what’s next, reach out to us to start your project.