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I live in SW Florida and am buying a house. The property is the standard 80x125 for this area. I want to plant some shade trees but I don't want something with invasive roots as I, or future owners, may want to put in a pool. The last house I had I planted Live Oaks. I researched them before planting the saplings and everything I read said they grow wide, but not super tall. Well I drove by my old house last week and these trees are tremendous, blocking the view of the entire house. Probably should have planted them in the back yard instead of the front. I planted two thinking I would eventually put a hammock between them but we moved out of that house in 2007.
What should I plant in this new backyard? Live Oaks again since it is in the backyard and they grow pretty fast or maybe crape myrtles? I don't want something that sheds its leaves because the yard has a southern exposure and here in Florida, we need all the shade from the brutal sun we can get. Any suggestions keeping in mind that this is South Florida? I used to have loads of gardening books specifically for this area but in my many moves they disappeared.
I live in SW Florida and am buying a house. The property is the standard 80x125 for this area. I want to plant some shade trees but I don't want something with invasive roots as I, or future owners, may want to put in a pool. The last house I had I planted Live Oaks. I researched them before planting the saplings and everything I read said they grow wide, but not super tall. Well I drove by my old house last week and these trees are tremendous, blocking the view of the entire house. Probably should have planted them in the back yard instead of the front. I planted two thinking I would eventually put a hammock between them but we moved out of that house in 2007.
What should I plant in this new backyard? Live Oaks again since it is in the backyard and they grow pretty fast or maybe crape myrtles? I don't want something that sheds its leaves because the yard has a southern exposure and here in Florida, we need all the shade from the brutal sun we can get. Any suggestions keeping in mind that this is South Florida? I used to have loads of gardening books specifically for this area but in my many moves they disappeared.
Call some reputable garden nurseries that sell native plants would be my suggestion.
I'd be interested in Tree recommendations also. So it will be interesting to see what replies come in. I'm in PA. And my neighbor wants to put another tree where a previous one was. It's between the curb and the sidewalk -- and the roots whatever the builder put in 48 years ago (an elm, a pin oak?) -- had started to push the sidewalk up. We want tall enough for shade, but have to be mindful that it's in an area where the water main and pipes from houses aren't too far away.
OP try Googling your question. You'd be surprised what lists and recommendations are just out there online.
I'm going to Google "best shade trees for urban areas." You could try "best shade tree south Florida" or "best tree southwest Florida"
ETA: I just Googled "best shade tree Florida" and all kinds of links came up.
The link is included for the photo, only. I'm sure you can find it more cheaply locally if you are interested.
Unfortunately, I don't have enough growing experience in FL to make recommendations, other than to second the post to go talk to folks at a local nursery.
Chili, You will find the Dahoon Holly/Ilex cassine, does well down here. Small leaved, it has an Asian flare to it, that I personally think makes it a very attractive shade tree. You will see many of them planted at the local Publix supermarkets, as it is one of the plants listed by Regional Management to their lots.
The Live Oak is also nice. I like the Dahoon because it stays smaller, good for smaller lots. I guess you'll figure out what works best for you. I third the ideal of asking the advice offered by local Nurserymen.
I used to love the Royal Poincianas. They are fairly fast growing to about 40 feet high. They do drop seed pods, though and their roots are pretty close to the surface.
I googled South Florida shade trees and it brought up the Lee County Extension website (I think that is what is called) which lists all the shrubs & trees that they recommend for this area and tells you how tall they get, whether they are Florida natives, salt tolerant, drought resistant, wind resistant, how far away you should plant from structures and even what, if any, diseases they are susceptible to. Thanks for the suggestion!
After seeing these in the wild in Puerto Rico, I would plant one of these: Royal Poinciana Tree, in a heartbeat....if they would grow where I am......
They will work in SW Florida.
Regards
Gemstone1
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