As Central Florida homeowners, we understand the unique challenges our climate presents for landscaping. Between scorching summers, hurricane seasons, and occasional cold snaps, selecting the right trees for your property requires local knowledge and expertise. At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, our team has spent over a decade helping homeowners in Polk County, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas select and plant trees that not only beautify their properties but also withstand our distinctive climate conditions.
Why Tree Selection Matters in Central Florida
Choosing the wrong trees for your Central Florida landscape can lead to frustration, wasted investment, and potential property damage. Trees unsuited to our climate may struggle to establish strong root systems, become susceptible to disease, or fail during our notorious storm seasons.
Additionally, non-native species can sometimes become invasive, disrupting local ecosystems.
Whether you’re looking for shade, beauty, privacy, or storm resilience, this comprehensive guide will help you select the perfect trees for your Central Florida property.
Native Florida Trees for Your Landscape
Native trees have evolved specifically to thrive in our local conditions, making them excellent choices for sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping. These species support local wildlife and typically require less water and fertilizer once established, making them ideal for Florida trees landscaping projects.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
The majestic Live Oak is perhaps the most iconic Florida tree, known for its sprawling canopy and impressive longevity. These trees can live for centuries and provide exceptional shade with their broad, spreading branches.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Mature Size: 60-80 feet tall with a 60-100 foot spread
- Benefits: Exceptional shade, wildlife habitat, hurricane resistance
- Best For: Large properties with ample space for root spread
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
With its glossy evergreen leaves and fragrant white blossoms, the Southern Magnolia adds year-round beauty to Central Florida landscapes.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 60-80 feet tall with a 30-40 foot spread
- Benefits: Fragrant flowers, evergreen foliage, attractive to wildlife
- Best For: Focal points in yards, privacy screens
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Despite being deciduous, the Bald Cypress is highly adaptable to Florida’s wet conditions and provides unique aesthetic appeal with its feathery foliage and distinctive “knees.”
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall with a 20-30 foot spread
- Benefits: Tolerates wet conditions, unique appearance, fall color
- Best For: Wet areas, pond edges, low spots in yards
Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)
Florida’s state tree, the Cabbage Palm, is incredibly resilient to hurricane-force winds and salt spray, making it perfect for Central Florida landscapes including Palm Harbor landscaping projects.
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Mature Size: 40-50 feet tall with a 10-15 foot spread
- Benefits: Extremely hurricane resistant, drought tolerant, minimal maintenance
- Best For: Coastal areas, hurricane-prone regions, native landscapes
Best Shade Trees for Central Florida
Florida’s intense sun and heat make shade trees essential for comfortable outdoor living spaces. These selections provide excellent canopy coverage while thriving in our climate, making them some of the best shade trees for local properties.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Red Maple offers beautiful fall color, relatively fast growth, and excellent shade potential for Central Florida yards.
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall with a 25-35 foot spread
- Benefits: Fall color, shade, attracts wildlife
- Best For: Yards needing quick shade solutions
Winged Elm (Ulmus alata)
This native elm species features distinctive “wings” along its branches and provides excellent shade with minimal maintenance requirements.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Mature Size: 45-70 feet tall with a 30-40 foot spread
- Benefits: Drought tolerance, disease resistance, attractive bark
- Best For: Urban settings, drought-prone areas
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
With its distinctive mottled bark and broad canopy, the American Sycamore creates impressive shade and visual interest.
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Mature Size: 75-100 feet tall with a 50-70 foot spread
- Benefits: Excellent shade, unique bark, wildlife habitat
- Best For: Large properties with moist soil conditions
East Palatka Holly (Ilex × attenuata ‘East Palatka’)
This evergreen holly variety provides moderate shade while maintaining a more compact form than many shade trees, making it suitable for medium-sized yards.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 30-45 feet tall with a 10-15 foot spread
- Benefits: Year-round shade, red berries, drought tolerance once established
- Best For: Smaller yards needing shade, landscaping Pembroke Pines FL areas
Privacy Trees for Florida Properties
Creating privacy is a top concern for many homeowners, especially in developing neighborhoods. These fast-growing privacy trees and evergreen privacy trees provide excellent screening while thriving in Florida’s climate.
Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)
One of the most popular privacy trees, Leyland Cypress grows quickly to form a dense screen.
- Growth Rate: Fast (3-4 feet per year)
- Mature Size: 60-70 feet tall with a 15-25 foot spread
- Benefits: Rapid growth, dense foliage, evergreen
- Best For: Property boundaries, screening unsightly views
- Maintenance: Requires regular trimming to maintain desired height
Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
With its distinctive columnar shape, Italian Cypress creates elegant privacy without taking up much horizontal space.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall with a 3-5 foot spread
- Benefits: Narrow footprint, drought tolerant, minimal pruning
- Best For: Tight spaces, formal landscapes, tall privacy screens
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
This native evergreen shrub/small tree grows quickly and provides dense screening with fragrant foliage.
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall with a similar spread
- Benefits: Native, drought tolerant, wildlife friendly
- Best For: Natural privacy screens, bird gardens, smaller properties
- Note: One of the best privacy shrubs that can be trained as a small tree
Bamboo (Clumping varieties)
For rapid privacy, clumping bamboo varieties (not running types) can create an effective screen within a few seasons.
- Growth Rate: Very fast
- Mature Size: 15-30 feet tall depending on variety
- Benefits: Quick screening, tropical appearance, sound barrier
- Best For: Modern landscapes, quick privacy solutions
- Note: Choose clumping varieties to prevent invasive spread
These tall privacy trees work exceptionally well for creating natural boundaries in both residential and commercial properties, including areas like Pembroke Pines where pembroke pines landscapers often recommend them for their effectiveness and adaptability to local conditions.
Storm-Resistant Tree Options
Living in Central Florida means preparing for hurricane season. Selecting storm-resistant trees can help protect your property while maintaining a beautiful landscape.
Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
This evergreen native develops a deep, extensive root system that provides excellent wind resistance during storms.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 40-50 feet tall with a 20-30 foot spread
- Benefits: Wind resistance, drought tolerance, evergreen privacy
- Best For: Windbreaks, privacy screens, hurricane-prone areas
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
This attractive native holly features red berries and glossy evergreen leaves while maintaining excellent wind resistance.
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall with a 10-15 foot spread
- Benefits: Wildlife food source, storm resistance, attractive berries
- Best For: Smaller yards, accent trees, wildlife gardens
Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata)
Similar to its larger cousin but more compact, the Sand Live Oak offers excellent hurricane resistance with a smaller footprint.
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Mature Size: 30-50 feet tall with a 30-60 foot spread
- Benefits: Exceptional wind resistance, drought tolerance, wildlife habitat
- Best For: Sandy soils, coastal areas, hurricane-prone regions
At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, our tree planting services include expert selection of storm-resistant varieties specifically suited to your property’s conditions.
Flowering Trees for Year-Round Beauty
Adding flowering trees to your Central Florida landscape creates visual interest throughout the seasons while supporting pollinators and wildlife.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Although not native, Crape Myrtles have adapted well to Florida conditions and offer spectacular summer blooms in various colors.
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall with a 10-15 foot spread (varies by cultivar)
- Benefits: Long-lasting summer flowers, attractive bark, drought tolerance
- Best For: Accent trees, smaller yards, street trees
Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Florida’s native dogwood offers beautiful spring flowers, attractive fall color, and winter berries for wildlife.
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall with a similar spread
- Benefits: Spring flowers, fall color, wildlife food source
- Best For: Understory plantings, woodland edges, partial shade areas
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
This small native tree produces stunning pink-purple flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall with a 25-35 foot spread
- Benefits: Early spring flowers, heart-shaped leaves, understory tree
- Best For: Woodland edges, accent trees, smaller properties
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
This native magnolia features creamy white, lemon-scented flowers and silvery leaf undersides that shimmer in the breeze.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall with a 15-25 foot spread
- Benefits: Fragrant flowers, semi-evergreen foliage, wet soil tolerance
- Best For: Moist areas, naturalistic landscapes, accent trees
Fruit Trees That Thrive in Central Florida
Growing your own fruit can be rewarding in Central Florida’s climate, which supports a variety of productive fruit trees.
Citrus (Various species)
Central Florida’s climate is ideal for growing oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and other citrus varieties.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 10-25 feet tall with a similar spread (varies by type)
- Benefits: Edible fruit, fragrant flowers, evergreen foliage
- Best For: Sunny locations, well-drained soil
- Note: Consider dwarf varieties for easier maintenance and harvesting
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
This attractive evergreen tree produces sweet-tart yellow fruits in late winter to early spring.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall with a 15-20 foot spread
- Benefits: Winter fruit production, evergreen foliage, drought tolerance
- Best For: Landscape focal points, edible landscaping
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
The native persimmon produces sweet orange fruits after they soften following the first frost.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 30-60 feet tall with a 20-35 foot spread
- Benefits: Edible fruit, fall color, wildlife food source
- Best For: Larger properties, naturalistic landscapes
Avocado (Persea americana)
Certain avocado varieties perform well in Central Florida’s climate, providing both delicious fruit and attractive foliage.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Mature Size: 30-40 feet tall with a 25-35 foot spread
- Benefits: Nutritious fruit, evergreen foliage, shade
- Best For: Protected areas away from strong winds
Best Trees to Plant Near Your House
Selecting small trees to plant near house foundations requires careful consideration to prevent future problems with roots, branches, and maintenance. These options are among the best trees to plant near house structures in Florida.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
This small ornamental tree offers stunning foliage color and a naturally compact growth habit.
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall with a similar spread
- Benefits: Beautiful foliage, non-invasive roots, compact size
- Best For: Accent plantings, patios, entryways
- Note: Needs afternoon shade in Central Florida
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
This evergreen small tree features distinctive red brush-like flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall with a 10-15 foot spread
- Benefits: Showy flowers, non-aggressive roots, evergreen
- Best For: Foundation plantings, patios, poolside
Desert Cassia (Senna polyphylla)
This small flowering tree produces bright yellow blooms in fall and winter when many other plants aren’t flowering.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall with a similar spread
- Benefits: Winter color, drought tolerance, non-invasive roots
- Best For: Foundation plantings, small yards, seasonal interest
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
This native holly can be trained as a small tree and offers evergreen foliage with red berries in winter.
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall with a 10-15 foot spread (when trained as a tree)
- Benefits: Native, drought tolerant, wildlife friendly, non-invasive roots
- Best For: Near foundations, smaller properties, wildlife gardens
These best evergreen trees and flowering specimens work well in close proximity to structures without threatening foundations or requiring excessive maintenance. For landscaping Pembroke Pines FL properties or similar urban settings, these smaller species provide beauty without the risks associated with larger trees.
Trees to Avoid in Florida Landscapes
Some trees, despite their popularity, aren’t well-suited for Central Florida conditions and may cause problems down the road.
Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia)
Despite its name, this isn’t actually a pine tree. It’s highly invasive in Florida and has shallow roots that make it prone to toppling in storms.
Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’)
This once-popular ornamental tree has weak branch structure that breaks easily in storms and has become invasive in many areas.
Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Though commonly planted, Queen Palms are not hurricane-resistant and often suffer cold damage during occasional Central Florida freezes.
Eucalyptus (Various species)
Most eucalyptus species don’t perform well in Florida’s humidity and are prone to disease issues and storm damage.
Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)
While native, this oak species has a relatively short lifespan (50-70 years) and becomes increasingly prone to branch failure as it ages.
Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
This highly invasive tree can spread aggressively, displacing native vegetation and altering ecosystems.
Professional Tree Planting Tips
Proper planting is essential for tree health and longevity in Central Florida’s challenging conditions. Our experienced team recommends:
Best Planting Times
In Central Florida, fall through early spring (October to March) is ideal for planting most trees. This allows root establishment before summer heat and hurricane season.
Proper Planting Depth
One of the most common mistakes is planting too deeply. The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should be visible above ground level.
Site Selection
Consider mature size, sun/shade requirements, and proximity to structures. For fast growing privacy trees, allow adequate spacing between specimens to accommodate their eventual size while still creating an effective screen.
Soil Preparation
Florida’s sandy soils often benefit from organic matter incorporation before planting. For clay soils, improve drainage to prevent root issues.
Watering Guidelines
- First 2 weeks: Water daily
- Weeks 3-12: Water every 2-3 days
- Months 4-12: Water weekly during dry periods
- After establishment: Water during extended droughts
Mulching Recommendations
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch in a circle around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. This helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Staking Considerations
Most trees benefit from staking for the first 6-12 months in Central Florida’s sandy soils, especially in hurricane-prone areas. Use soft, flexible ties that allow some movement and remove stakes after the first year.
As Robert, one of our satisfied customers, shared: “Robert and his crew did an awesome job and went out of their way to do extra things to make my trees and property look wonderful. They trimmed my trees, removed a tree, did stump grinding, pruned the vines off of my trees and fences. I really appreciate all their hard work and my trees look much healthier! I would highly recommend them!”
Similarly, Leilani noted: “This company is great. They have excellent knowledge of plants. They transformed our front yard from an overgrown mess to a well-groomed paradise quickly and for a great price. We had other landscapers in the past try to tackle the front yard, but it was more expensive and didn’t look nearly as nice. They also removed a huge hickory tree in our back yard in one afternoon. I am very impressed with their work!”
Regional Considerations for Tree Selection
Different areas within Central Florida may have specific conditions that affect tree selection. Whether you’re in Lakeland, Valrico, Lithia, or surrounding areas, understanding your local microclimate is important.
Coastal Considerations
For properties closer to coastal areas, salt tolerance becomes an important factor. Trees like Cabbage Palm, Southern Red Cedar, and Live Oak offer excellent salt tolerance.
Urban Settings
In more developed areas, consider trees that tolerate pollution, restricted root zones, and reflected heat. Crape Myrtle, East Palatka Holly, and certain oak varieties perform well in urban environments.
Rural Properties
Larger rural properties can accommodate bigger specimen trees and naturalistic groupings. Consider creating wildlife corridors with native species like Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, and Bald Cypress.
New Developments
Newly developed properties often have disturbed, compacted soils that may require amendment before planting. Fast-growing pioneers like Red Maple and Sweetgum can help establish canopy while slower-growing species develop.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we’re passionate about helping Central Florida homeowners select and plant the perfect trees for their unique properties. Our comprehensive tree planting services include expert species selection, proper installation, and aftercare guidance to ensure your new trees thrive for generations.
With over 10 years of experience serving Lakeland, Valrico, Lithia, and surrounding areas, our team understands the specific challenges and opportunities of Central Florida landscaping. We’re proud to be your local experts in creating beautiful, sustainable, and storm-resistant landscapes.
Ready to enhance your property with the perfect trees for Central Florida’s climate? Contact us today at (813) 588-0120 for a free consultation, or request an estimate online. Our team is here to help you make the best choices for your landscape’s long-term health and beauty.
