The city of Pensacola is suing the owners of a vacant lot to stop the removal of a heritage tree, which are those that have a diameter larger than 34 inches. The city had denied the property owners request to have it removed. However, a new Florida law says local governments cannot stop a residential property owner from removing a tree if a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect says the tree presents a danger to people or property. An arborist with Tri-State Tree Service says the main trunk of the tree is suffering from severe decay and the surrounding homes would be at risk of severe damage if the tree falls, but an arborist brought in by the city said the tree is in overall good health. A judge has issued a temporary injunction to prevent the tree’s removal while the case moves through the legal system.