Landscaping can add value to your home and aesthetically please the eye, but it always seems like a daunting task. Although, there is a way to simplify the process, forego those exotic eyecatchers for more durable and native species. In this first of a three-part blog, I will be informing you of an array of North Florida tree species. These trees can withstand our everyday Florida weather with minimal upkeep while sacrificing none of the beauty.
American Hornbeam:
Light Range: Full – Minimal Sun
Growth Rate: Slow (12″ or less per year)
Mature Height: 20-30 ft.
Mature Spread: 20-30 ft.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Notes: Orange/yellow flowers bloom during spring. Can withstand above average to high winds. Thrives in areas that receive large amounts of moisture.
Green Ash:
Light Range: Full – Minimal Sun
Growth Rate: Fast ( 25″ or more a year)
Mature Height: 50-100 ft.
Mature Spread: 30-70 ft.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Notes: Can tolerate wet conditions and above average winds.
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Laurel or Darlington Oak:
Light Range: Full – Partial Sun
Growth Rate: Fast ( 25″ or more a year)
Mature Height: 60-70 ft.
Mature Spread: 35-45 ft.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Notes: Short-lived and will decay easily if main branches are removed. Can withstand average winds and does not do well in low drainage areas.
Live Oak:
Light Range: Full – Partial Sun
Growth Rate: Medium ( 13″ t0 24″ per year)
Mature Height: 40-80 ft.
Mature Spread: 60-120 ft.
Drought Tolerance: High
Notes: Can resist high winds. Large root system and spread mean this tree should be avoided for small lots.
Shumard Oak:
Light Range: Full Sun
Growth Rate: Fast ( 25″ or more a year)
Mature Height: 55-80 ft.
Mature Spread: 40-50 ft.
Drought Tolerance: High
Notes: Can withstand above average to high winds. Being a red oak it will turn this beautiful color beginning in the fall.
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Sweet Bay Magnolia:
Light Range: Full – Partial Sun
Growth Rate: Medium ( 13″ to 24″ per year)
Mature Height: 40-60 ft.
Mature Spread: 20-50 ft.
Drought Tolerance: None
Notes: Above average to high wind resistance. Plant this tree to attract Swallowtail butterflies in your area.
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Sweetgum: 
Light Range: Full – Partial Sun
Growth Rate: Medium ( 13″ to 24″ per year)
Mature Height: 40-100 ft.
Mature Spread: 40-60 ft.
Drought Tolerance: High
Notes: Above average to high wind resistance. During the fall this tree leaves can turn to an array of colors (bright red, purple, yellow and orange). This tree does bear fruit called “Sweetgum balls” some owners find the sheer amount that falls to the ground to be a nuisance.
Winged Elm:
Light Range: Full – Partial Sun
Growth Rate: Fast ( 25″ or more a year)
Mature Height: 45-70 ft.
Mature Spread: 30-40 ft.
Drought Tolerance: High
Notes: Can tolerate above average to high winds. Be on the lookout for signs of Dutch Elm Disease, if deciding to plant this species.
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