Magistrate orders 45 days for arborist report after neighbors raise safety concerns about tall pines

Alachua County senior forester and landscape inspector Andrew testified that five pine trees near the right-of-way at 3621 Southwest 18th Street are dead or hazardous and need to be trimmed below the lowest utility line. Andrew said dead trees pose a hazard because "the whole top of the tree is dead," and referenced a Florida Forest Service entomologist's inspection that was consistent with beetle infestation.

Owner Alexander Swanson disputed the finding and said he supplied photos showing new green growth and offered to secure a certified arborist to verify the trees' condition. The magistrate gave Swanson 45 days to obtain an arborist report and directed him to coordinate with county staff; if the arborist confirms death, the order requires removal or trimming below the power line rather than full removal to the ground.