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By Kurt On October 21, 2011make a Comment
Native Florida Trees are being planted more and more today in residential landscapes. This is not only for their natural beauty, but because their low maintenance makes them practical to use in landscaping. Since popularity and demand for native trees has increased, homeowners will find more selections available from nurseries than ever before.
In recent years native trees in Florida have been torn down from massive development. Unfortunately, since this began thousands of Native Florida Trees have been lost. This is one of the reasons why the State Of Florida now encourages homeowners to use native trees when planting new trees in their landscape.
Planting Native Florida Trees
Planting Native Florida Trees is not any different than planting other types of trees. The guidelines and requirements to be followed are the same. However, it may be necessary to reduce some of the top growth by “thinning” (removing one or more branches at the point of origin). This will preserve it’s natural shape. Do Not cut back all the top growth to the same level, which will ruin it’s shape.
When planting Native Florida Trees the top of the “root ball” needs to be placed in the ground at the same depth or level as it is grown in the field or container. If there is any circling of roots (root bound) in the “root ball” cut them vertically before planting, so the root system can grow laterally for good growth and establishment.
Plant large growing trees (over 40ft. in height) at least 30 ft. away from a home or building to avoid roof damage from falling limbs during bad storms, and damage done to the foundation from the spreading of roots. Plant small trees (up to 25ft.) and medium size trees (25-40ft.) at a distance of 10-20ft. from a home.
Care Of Newly Planted Native Trees
After Native Florida Trees have been planted proper care is needed for them to grow successfully. Newly planted trees should be watered weekly or several times a week during the first 3 months. Regular watering is done according to the amount of rainfall that occurs , and the drainage of the soil (water holding capacity).
After planting, a top dressing of a “complete” (contains essential and micro nutrients) slow-release granular tree fertilizer can be applied within the drop line around the tree. Do Not place it up against the trunk of the tree. Amount of fertilizer to be used is determined by the size of the tree planted. This information should be listed in the fertilizer label on the product. Fertilize again after 6 months of planting. No more than 2 times during the first year of establishment is needed.
Adding mulch of organic material at a depth of 2-4 inches is also recommended, leaving a space around the trunk for air circulation. Do Not pile mulch up against the trunk.
Newly planted large growing Native Florida Trees may take up to a year to become fully established. Production of new growth during the first year is an indication that the tree is being well established. This also applies to any size tree that is new.
Listed Are Names And Information On Native Florida Trees
Native Trees For North Florida
Deciduous (shed leaves in fall, bare in winter)
Name Form (shape) Size (height ft.)
Box Elder spreading over 40
Red Maple spreading 25-40
Florida Maple oval 25-40
River Birch oval over 40
Hackberry round over 40
Redbud round 25-40
Fringe Tree round up to 25
Hawthorn vase-shaped up to 25
Silver- Bell round up to 25
Sweet Gum round over 40
Crab Apple vase-shaped up to 25
Red Mulberry spreading 25-40
Sour Gum oval over 40
Sycamore round over 40
Southern Red Oak round over 40
Bald Cypress pyramidal over 40
Native Trees For North Florida
Evergreen (maintains leaves year round)
Name Form (shape) Size (height ft.)
Live Oak spreading over 40
Loblolly Bay oval 25-40
Dahoon Holly oval 25-40
American Holly pyramidal 25-40
Southern Magnolia oval over 40
Wax Myrtle round up to 25
Slash Pine round over 40
Spruce Pine oval 25-40
Leylend Cypress pyramidal 25-40
Laurel Oak oval over 40
Florida Sugar Maple round 25-40
Sparkle Berry round up to 25
Eastern Red Cedar oval 25-40
Youpon Holly oval up to 25
Cherry Laurel oval 25-40
Southern Juniper pyramidal 25-40
Native Trees For Central Florida
Deciduous (shed leaves in fall, bare in winter)
Name Form (shape) Size (height ft.)
Pignut Hickory oval over 40
Sugar Berry round over 40
Redbud round 25-40
Fringe Tree round up to 25
Dogwood round up to 25
Green Ash round over 40
Sweet Gum round over 40
Red Mulberry spreading 25-40
Sour Gum oval over 40
Sycamore round over 40
Flatwoods Plum round up to 25
Shumard Oak round over 40
Soapberry round 25-40
Bald Cypress pyramidal over 40
Winged Elm round 25-40
Red Maple oval 25-40
Buckthorn round 25-40
Native Trees For Central Florida
Evergreen (maintains leaves year round)
Name Form (shape) Size (height ft.)
Loblloy Bay oval 25-40
Dahoon Holly oval 25-40
American Holly pyramidal 25- 40
Southern Red Cedar pyramidal 25-40
Southern Magnolia oval over 40
Sweetbay spreading 25-40
Wax Myrtle round up to 25
Sand Pine oval 25-40
Spruce Pine oval 25-40
Longleaf Pine round over 40
Loblolly Pine round over 40
Laurel Oak oval over 40
Live Oak spreading over 40
Simpson’s Stopper round 25-40
Youpon Holly oval up to 25
Native Trees For South Florida
Deciduous (shed leaves in fall, bare in winter)
Name Form (shape) Size (height ft.)
Pond Apple round 25-40
Gumbo Limbo round 25-40
Jamaican Dogwood spreading 25-40
Soapberry round 25-40
Bald Cypress pyramidal over 40
Native Trees For South Florida
Evergreen (maintains leaves year round)
Name Form (shape) Size (height ft.)
Satin Leaf round 25-40
Fiddlewood oval up to 25
Pigeon Plum oval up to 25
Sea Grape spreading up to 25
Silver Buttonwood round up to 25
Geiger Tree round up to 25
Strangler Fig vase- shaped over 40
Dahoon Holly oval up to 25
Wild Tamarid round 25-40
Mastic Tree round over 40
Sand Pine oval 25-40
Slash Pine oval over 40
Laurel Oak oval over 40
Live Oak spreading over 40
Paradise Tree round 25-40
Yellow Elder round up to 25
Tawnberry Holly oval 25-40
Yaupon Holly oval up to 25
Simpson’s Stopper round 25-40
Twinberry round 25-40
Planting native trees improves the natural setting around a home, and preserves the environment by restoring the land. Using native trees in landscaping helps retain our natural resources. We can all benefit and enjoy having attractive beautiful Native Florida Trees in our landscapes.
Kurt Kmetz
Recent Posts
By Kurt On June 2, 2011
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Florida native plants are becoming more desirable to be used in landscaping by offering a practical, attractive natural setting. Since development has removed natural areas, homeowners wanting to add them into their existing landscape must consider the habitat of the original native plants . When planting Florida native plants one must have understanding of site factors of the planting site. Knowing planting requirements is also needed to have a good foundation for them to grow successfully.
Site Factors Considered For Planting
Good knowledge of the original vegetation that was in the area of Florida where planting will be at. This will tell what type of native Florida plants will grow best on the site. Species adapted to certain locations do better than ones from a different type of habitat. Your local extension service can help with information on what species do best in your area.
Consider the condition of the soil and hydrology of the site before planting Florida native plants. Many times during development soil is removed, and drainage patterns have been altered causing poor drainage and standing water. The soil can be sandy or filled with muck. This can make it difficult to re-establish same species that once grew on the site. If this is the case then soil preparation is required.
Like any other type of landscape planting consider what function they will provide when choosing types. Will native plants be integrated with existing or new turf areas. Will lawn irrigation and fertilization interfere with them. Also consider space for the types of plants, trees, or shrubs, when planting Florida native plants.
Requirements For Planting Florida Native Plants
When planting place root ball at same level as in the container. For plants that are ” Root Bound ” cut the roots that are circulating in the container from top to bottom to stimulate lateral root production. It may be necessary to remove some top growth by pruning off one to seven branches to shape it up. Do Not cut or chop back all growth down to one level. Just make thinning cuts to preserve the natural shape when planting Florida native plants.
Water regularly after planting Florida native plants making sure they are not under or over watered. Water two or three times a week after planting depending on drainage or rainfall, continue up to a month. After one month from planting watering once a week is only required.
Adding mulch of organic material is recommended right after planting Florida native plants. Prior to mulching apply a granular slow- release fertilizer. During the first year of establishment fertilizing up to three times is needed. After one year you only need to fertilize one time in the spring. Always use fertilizer containing essential elements and micro- nutrients for good health and growth.
Native plants of Florida are part of the natural beauty that this state is known for. Replacing what has been disappearing is vital to preserving our environment. Let’s all do are part in helping by planting Florida native plants.
Keep on ” Going Green Living”,
Kurt Kmetz
By Kurt On June 1, 2011
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Florida palm trees need proper care to stay healthy and grow normal. Palm tree problems such as nutrient deficiencies are common from lack of palm fertilizer. Palm trees in Florida need 16 elements to grow in good condition. Plant problems can occur from Florida’s nutrient poor soils. When palm tree problems happen they can be identified from visual inspection. Knowing what to look for is the key to diagnose nutrient problems.
Listed Are Four Common Nutrient Deficiencies That Cause Palm Tree Problems.
Palm Fertilizer Nitrogen (N)
When Florida palms become nitrogen deficient the leaves will turn uniformly light- green or yellow in color. Symptoms will appear on the older leaves first, then the entire tree will be off color. To correct the problem apply a granular palm fertilizer containing the essential element nitrogen. Foliar applications can be done with liquid fertilizer. Spray thoroughly two times at 14 days apart. Do not spray more than twice within 6 weeks. After fertilizing palm trees should respond quickly.
Potassium Palm Tree Problems (K)
The most common disorder and most serious cause for a dying tree is extreme lack of potassium. Symptoms showing deficiency in palm trees will be first seen on the oldest leaves. After it progresses the newer leaves will be affected next as it becomes more serious. Symptoms will begin as yellow or orange spots on the leaves. Eventually leaves will become withered in appearance. Phoenix Date palms show symptoms in the older leaves by turning an orange-brown discoloration near the tips. Potassium palm tree problems are most severe in Royal, Spindle, Date, Coconut, Areca, and Queen palms. Fertilize with granular palm tree fertilizer containing potassium sulfate. Applying liquid fertilizer by spraying is not effective.
Palm Tree Fertilizer Magnesium (Mg)
Palm tree problems such as this is common in Phoenix Date palms and Canary Island Date palms. It will first be seen on the oldest leaves and then continue up through the canopy. Look for a broad light yellow band along the outer margin of the oldest leaves. The center of the leaf should remain green. Magnesium problems are rarely fatal to palm trees but does cause unhealthy appearance. To correct this nutrient problem apply straight magnesium which can be found at garden centers in 5-10 pound bags. Amount to be applied depends on the size of the palm. So follow directions on the label. Unfortunately leaves affected will not return to green, so new growth is needed to replace them.
Palm Trees Fertilizer Manganese (Mn)
Palm tree problems often called ” Frizzle Top ” on palms usually is caused by soil being alkaline, found especially in southern Florida. Symptoms showing lack of manganese will occur on new leaves only. They will grow looking chlorotic, weak, reduced in size with extensive streaking in the leaves. As it continues to get worse new leaves will emerge looking withered, frizzled, or scorched and very small in size. Royal, Pygmy Date, and Queen palms are susceptible to manganese deficiency palm tree problems. If left untreated a dying tree will not bounce back and survive. Treat as soon as possible with straight manganese sulfate. It can be found in 5-10 pound bags at garden centers. Follow directions on label.
The information in this article is a guide to help determine palm tree problems with common symptoms of nutrient deficiencies. If you are having difficulties in diagnosing a problem contact your local extension service. Perhaps you can take a close up photo of an affected leaf and e mail picture to them. A regular program of fertilizing palms can avoid palm tree problems from happening.
Kurt Kmetz
