Hernando County, FL
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Code Enforcement
789 Providence Blvd.
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone (352) 754-4056
Fax (352) 754-4491
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Lobby Hours:
7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Invasive Plant Information
Noxious Plant Control Ordinance
The Noxious Plant Control ordinance ;designates both the lead tree (Leucaena luecocephala) and the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) as noxious plant species, which are detrimental to the growth of native vegetation.
Training for Pesticide Applicator Professionals
Professionals who complete a short training session will receive a completion certificate and will be included on a list being provided to Hernando County property owners. All training will be held at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service Office, 16110 Aviation Loop Dr. Brooksville, FL 34604. For training schedule information, or to get on the list of professionals being supplied to homeowners, please contact:
William J. Lester, Extension Agent II
(352) 754-4433
WLester@ufl.edu
Noxious Plant Control Ordinance For Residents
The removal of lead tree and Brazilian pepper tree from all property is required and property owners must prevent these species from re-establishing or growing in the future. The ordinance also requires that these two plant species be removed from all new development sites.
Hernando County will conduct educational activities through 2016 with the goal of seeking voluntary compliance with the ordinance. After this period, property owners will be notified if these species are still present. The educational period will include presentations and resources to assist homeowners in identifying and removing these species from their properties. The County also removes these two species from public properties and roadways.
The slide show at the bottom of this page and the following fact sheets will help you identify these species of trees on your property:
Complete eradication of Brazilian pepper and lead tree involves herbicide treatment to kill the plant and prevent regrowth. This should be performed by a licensed pesticide applicator professional.
If you plan to perform the eradication yourself, it is advised that you follow the information provided on the herbicide label. All plant parts (including securely bagged seeds) must be disposed of in the Countyβs lined landfill via regular household waste pickup or disposal with household waste at a transfer station. More information is available at the Noxious Plant Control Fact Sheet, Herbicide Fact Sheet and Noxious Tree Ordinance Brochure.
For more information on the Noxious Plant Ordinance:
Mike Steele, Code Enforcement Officer
(352) 754-4056
msteele@hernandocounty.us
For more information on noxious plant control methods:
Noxious Plant Control Ordinance Ch 21, Art XIII