By: Shelby McCullough| Published: December 5, 2022
Do you need tree trimming service for the native and non-native trees in your Orlando yard? Call McCullough Tree Service at 407-734-5854.
If you want to add shade or natural beauty to your property, you may consider planting some native Florida trees. Opting for native trees and other plant life brings the Sunshine State’s natural flora and wildlife to your yard for a picturesque and healthy landscape.
Our tree service professionals in Orlando, FL, have worked with a wide variety of native trees, and here we present ten excellent tree choices for Florida properties.
Why Choose Native Trees and Plants?
You have many options when adding a new tree or relandscaping your property, but native Florida trees and plants provide many benefits. Native trees are often low-maintenance plants already adapted to the Florida climate, and native plants and trees provide natural habitats for local wildlife. Consider pairing your new native tree with some beautiful native passion flowers or some Southern Wax Myrtle shrubs for privacy.
Ten Native Florida Trees Perfect for Your Yard
1. Flowering Dogwood
If you enjoy trees that flower in the spring, you may choose to plant a flowering dogwood tree on your Florida property. The flowering dogwood can stand up to 35 feet tall and features dark bark that contrasts stunningly when the white flowers bloom at the height of spring. The flowers turn pink and then red in the fall before shedding from the tree.
Flowering dogwoods are not drought tolerant, so they thrive best in areas with plenty of moisture. These trees also prefer filtered sunlight over direct sunlight because they often grow below other trees in nature.
2. Southern Live Oak
You may choose a southern live oak tree if you want to provide shade for a two-story home. This native tree can grow to an impressive 60 feet in height with an even wider limb spread. Despite the dramatic angles it grows in, the southern live oak boasts incredible strength and wind resistance, perfect for the hurricane-prone state of Florida.
The southern live oak requires a lot of space, so you may choose other native Florida trees if you live on a small property. However, this tree can live more than 100 years if you have the space and ample moisture.
3. Florida Maple
Many property owners choose the Florida maple tree for its charming ornamental appearance and shade. This native tree can stand up to 60 feet fall, and the bright green foliage transforms into gorgeous yellow, orange, and red colors in the fall. Landscapers love the tree’s stunning appearance and high tolerance to hot temperatures.
4. Eastern Redbud
Looking for a way to bring bright colors to your Florida yard? Consider the eastern redbud tree. The fast-growing eastern redbud adds beauty to any Florida yard with its white and pink flowers that bloom in the spring. This tree also produces striking nonedible bean pods during the summer.
Popular as an ornamental tree, the eastern redbud grows to an average of 25 feet tall with a broad limb spread around 25 to 30 feet.
5. Bald Cypress
The bald cypress tree often grows in wet areas, beside rivers, and in swamps, but it can also thrive in other soil types. This tall tree can reach up to 150 feet and live for centuries. Many homeowners and landscapers consider the bald cypress for a dramatic and long-living tree.
6. White Fringe Tree
The native white fringe tree is a small deciduous tree with white, string-like flowers that give it the nickname “old man’s beard.” This spring-flowering tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and flourish in full or partial sunshine. Many Florida properties feature these trees to take advantage of their natural resistance to heat and humidity.
7. Sparkleberry
You may choose a sparkleberry tree if your Florida property has sandy soil. These small native Florida trees grow to an average height between 18 and 25 feet, the perfect ornamental addition to any home or other property. Sparkleberry trees produce white, bell-shaped flowers and edible berries that turn black when ripe.
8. Yaupon Holly
Another popular berry-bearing tree is the yaupon holly, an adaptable tree that stands between 15 and 25 feet tall and features small leaves and berries. Many recognize a yaupon holly for its red berries, but the fruit can also be orange or yellow. The berries produced by this native tree provide a vital food source for local birds.
9. Magnolia
Magnolias are popular native plants that grow as large trees and shrubs. They produce beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers of various colors, including white, pink, yellow, purple, and green. They thrive in moist but well-draining soil with morning sun and afternoon shade.
The magnolia tree family includes several species with various growth patterns, with an average height between 60 and 80 feet.
10. Sweet Acacia
The sweet acacia tree stands up to 25 feet tall, making it a popular ornamental tree in Florida gardens. Relatively low-maintenance, this native tree features unique yellow puff flowers that bloom in early spring and sharp, one-inch spines. We don’t recommend climbing this tree, but the spines keep predators away from nesting birds, making it an excellent natural habitat.
Trust Your Trees to the Certified Arborists at McCullough Tree Service
Whether you need a tall oak tree trimmed or a smaller yaupon holly tree removed from your yard, you can trust McCullough Tree Service. Our team can take care of whatever tree service you need, including certified arborist services like tree risk assessments, injections, and maintenance plans. We’ll provide our professional opinion on the best path forward to keep your native Florida trees healthy.
Whether you plant a sweet acacia or a flowering dogwood, preparing the ground can make a huge difference in long-term tree health. Learn how to prepare the soil for tree planting. We’ll take you through all the best practices to ensure that your new tree remains healthy for years to come.
McCullough Tree Service proudly serves Orlando, FL, and surrounding areas, including Longwood, Windermere, Belle Isle, and more. Call us today for a free estimate at 407-734-5854.
