Q: What special training do you have which qualifies you as a professional mangrove trimmer?
A: I have trimmed mangroves for 30 years. In that period of time I have trimmed over 10 miles of shoreline and have not once been in violation of any state or local laws. In recognition of my experience I was given a professional mangrove trimmer status (MTQ-003) by the DEP of Florida. I wrote a thesis on mangroves for my graduation from New College, the honors college of the Florida state university system.

Q: Can I trim my own mangroves?
A: There are many situations where you can trim your own mangroves. There are some instances that require that you hire a professional mangrove trimmer. Mangrove trimming is a very specialized field and it can be very confusing to someone without experience. I often compare it to other professions such as the electrical, plumbing or automotive fields. You could probably do any of these jobs yourself but you might have problems. I offer a specialized service which requires specialized knowledge and specialized tools.

Q: How do you charge for your service?
A: I have an initial consulting fee of $100.00. For this amount I visit your site and discuss the proposed trimming. If there seems to be any problems I will ask questions and call the DEP for an opinion if you wish. If there are no problems, I will set up a date to do your trimming. I charge $100.00 per hour, and have four specialized chain saws for trimming. My charge includes travel time if a boat is required and clean up time for tools and equipment. If the project is more than 30 miles from my home, I charge for travel time. I do not perform hauling of mangrove material. All material is cut and stacked neatly alongside where it was trimmed.

Q: Why don’t you do hauling?
A; There are many good hauling services in this area. Many homeowners and homeowner association prefer to use their own people or a service approved by them. It can save you money to use a service that specifically hauls debris.

Q; What unique qualifications help you perform your service?
A: I am a native Floridian raised on Longboat Key. I have lived all my life on mangrove waterfront, with a boat at a dock with mangroves around it. I have been a boat captain since I was 21 years old.

Q: How does a liberal arts education help you to trim mangroves?
A: I have taken biology 101, 102, and 103, botany 101, 102, and 103, zoology 101, 102, 103, environmental law, graduate level marine botany, and specific courses on mangrove natural history and trimming. This background has provided me with knowledge of plant morphology and basic legal issues involved in mangrove trimming.

Q: What are some potential problems if I or someone else trim my mangroves incorrectly?
A: Fines and disagreements with your neighbors. These fines are levied by the DEP when they find a major violation of the mangrove laws. Your neighbors may disagree with your interpretation of the law which may cause conflicts.

Q: Why don’t you give bids?
A: I have been trimming mangroves for many years and I have found that giving bids inflates the cost of trimming mangroves. It is almost impossible to guess accurately how much time the trimming will take. In order to cover any discrepancy in my estimation I would have to estimate above what time I think a job might take. Most people who are still in business, who give bids, include their time giving bids in the final cost of the job. When you hire me, I only charge for the time that I work for you. This way I can save you money. I will provide you with references of previous satisfied customers at your request.

Q: Why do you work alone?
A: I have had as many as three men using chain saws and 10 workers hauling debris under my supervision on a large job. It is difficult to direct others to trim mangroves correctly. Now, I prefer to do all the trimming myself in order to have more control over the final result. I do not want to take the responsibility for what other people may say or do on your property. Some clients do not like having half a dozen strangers around their house and property.

Q: Can you describe the elements of mangrove trimming?
A: The first element is consulting. In this stage, the site history is discussed. Whether the site has had previous violations of the law or a permit that has been issued must be considered. A plan for trimming is then formulated. Trimming the trees according to the permit or plan is the second stage. Cleanup of the cut material is the last stage or element of the mangrove trimming. I try to get 100% of the material from the trees and out of the water. I can only guarantee 95% removal of the debris. There will always be some branches that I miss.

Q: Is Mangrove trimming dangerous?
A: Yes. It is difficult to use a chain saw in mangrove areas. There are wildlife considerations to take into account as well. Scorpions, rattlesnakes, black widow spiders and other biting spiders, biting ants, wasps, sharp oysters, broken bottles, wood with nails, and barnacles all can be found in mangrove areas. The sharp sticks left after trimming can also be dangerous.

Q: What about liability and insurance?
A: I have insurance which covers my own work with boats, power tools and mangrove trimming, in and out of the water. Most workers’ insurance does not proved coverage when working in or on the water.

Q: How big of a project can you handle?
A: My projects are balanced between small, individual family lots, and large projects, some of which are over a mile in length.

Q: How can you help me?
A: As an individual home owner, I can guide you in your plan for mangrove trimming and then perform the mangrove trimming. As a developer of a large project, I can design your mangrove trimming plan and also perform the trimming for you.

Q: Do you remove exotic trees?
A: Yes, I have extensive experience removing Brazilian peppers, Australian pines and other exotic trees.

If you have other questions about mangrove trimming, I will be happy to respond to them. Send questions or comments to landsendmarina@mac.com

Related Links:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)