Lawyer Bobby Gilbert told the Fort Lauderdale jury that evidence in the class-action case would show that the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services knew from the start that the doomed trees were worth far more than the $100 Wal-Mart gift cards they were giving as compensation.

Around 133,700 trees were destroyed in the effort to eradicate the disease, according to The Miami Herald. The homeowners are suing on the grounds the Constitution does not allow the seizure of private property without adequate compensation.

"Instead of paying full compensation," Gilbert said. "the evidence will show the department refused to acknowledge its obligation to pay full compensation and, to this day and in this courtroom, resists the idea of paying full compensation to your fellow Broward County homeowners.''

The department's attorney countered in his statement that the trees had been removed for good reason and that owners had been fairly compensated.