Code board finds homeowner violated tree rules after root cutting, orders removal and one-for-one replacement

Case number 25‑1376: The City of Temple Terrace Municipal Code Enforcement Board on Wednesday found that two oak trees at 11407 Gibraltar Place were harmed by excessive root cutting and ordered removal of the damaged trees, one‑for‑one replacement with new canopy trees and a fine of $1,000 per tree.

The board’s finding follows testimony from Code Compliance Officer Laurie Smith and City Arborist Joe Ferris, who said staff investigated after a citizen complaint in March 2025. "My inspection revealed several oak tree roots had been improperly trimmed," Smith said. Ferris testified the pruning cut roots "360 degrees around the trunk" on two trees and described the work as "an excessive amount of pruning." He said the damage could cause long‑term health and structural problems and recommended removal and replanting to mitigate the loss.

Why it matters: City ordinances…