The best shaded and ornamental trees in tampa
Trees are an important part of any landscape, providing beauty, shade, and environmental benefits. Shaded and ornamental
trees can add value to your property, create a welcoming atmosphere, and enhance the natural beauty of your
surroundings. Shaded trees provide a canopy that offers respite from the hot sun, while ornamental trees are selected
for their aesthetic appeals, such as their showy flowers, colorful foliage, or unique branching patterns.
Here are some of the best shaded and ornamental trees that you can consider planting in your yard:
The Best Shaded Trees
- Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
It is known for its unique, cone-shaped trunk and branches that are draped in feathery, needle-like leaves that turn a beautiful rust-red color in the fall. Bald cypress trees are often found growing in wetland areas, but can also thrive in drier soils. - Florida Maple (Acer barbatum)
It has a compact, rounded canopy and glossy green leaves that turn bright yellow or red in the fall. The Florida maple is well-suited for use as a specimen tree or for planting in groupings. - Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
It is known for its wide-spreading canopy and long, drooping branches that often reach the ground. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the tree produces acorns that are an important food source for wildlife. - Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
It is the most common species of pine in the region and is known for its long, straight trunk and dense foliage. Loblolly pines are often used for timber and are also popular for landscaping and reforestation projects. - Purple Tabebuia (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
It is prized for its stunning display of bright purple flowers that appear in the spring before the leaves emerge. The tree has a rounded canopy and glossy green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. - Yellow Tabebuia
It is known for its bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in the spring before the leaves emerge. The tree has a rounded canopy and glossy green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. It is a popular choice for landscaping and street planting.
The Best Ornamental Trees
- Bottle Brush (Callistemon citrinus)
It is known for its distinctive, red, bottle brush-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The tree has narrow, pointed leaves that are a bright green color, and it is well-suited for use as a specimen tree or for planting in groupings. - Crape Myrtle Natchez (Lagerstroemia “Natchez”)
The tree has a rounded canopy and smooth, gray bark that peels away in strips. The Crape Myrtle Natchez is a popular choice for landscaping and street planting due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance. - Geiger Orange (Cordia sebestena)
It is known for its bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the year, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. The tree has glossy, dark green leaves and a compact, rounded canopy, and it is well-suited for use as a specimen tree or for planting in groupings. - Japanese Blueberry (Eloeocarpus decipens)
It is prized for its attractive, dark green foliage that has a unique, wavy texture. The tree produces small, white flowers in the spring and summer, followed by small, blue-black berries in the fall. The Japanese Blueberry is a popular choice for landscaping and street planting due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. - Loquat (Erobotrya japonica)
It is known for its fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the fall, followed by small, yellow-orange fruit that is edible and rich in vitamin C. The tree has glossy, dark green leaves and a dense, rounded canopy, and it is well-suited for use as a specimen tree or for planting in groupings. - Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus)
It is known for its silvery-gray foliage that has a distinctive, button-like appearance. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring and summer, followed by small, round fruit that attracts birds. Silver Buttonwood is a popular choice for landscaping and street planting due to its unique appearance and ability to tolerate salty conditions.
The best trees for privacy in tampa
Privacy is a concern for many homeowners who want to enjoy their outdoor space without feeling exposed to neighboring
properties or the street. Trees are a great solution for creating a natural privacy screen, as they offer not only
visual privacy but also sound buffering, shade, and environmental benefits.
So, what tree traits should you look for?
Choosing trees to create a privacy wall requires careful consideration to ensure the desired effect is achieved. Not all
trees are suitable for this purpose, as some may be too tall, lack sufficient foliage, or fail to block necessary
sightlines.
It is essential to select privacy trees that possess the necessary traits to serve the intended function, such as those
that grow quickly, provide year-round coverage, and complement the existing landscape.
Another critical factor to consider is the proximity of the trees to structures or high-traffic areas. While many trees
and shrubs may meet the criteria for privacy, some may have weaknesses that increase the risk of breakage. Consistent
pruning and proper care can help mitigate this risk, but it’s crucial to be aware of it when selecting privacy trees.
Here are some of the best trees for privacy in Tampa:
- Leyland Cypress
This popular tree in Florida is fast-growing and can reach up to 50 feet in height and 25 feet in width, making it an ideal option for landscapes that require significant coverage. With its evergreen foliage that has a blue-green hue and drought-tolerant nature, the Leyland Cypress adds beauty to any yard, even in seasons with less rainfall. - Arborvitae
A low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 20 feet wide, the Arborvitae has a natural teardrop shape that requires minimal trimming to remain attractive. Its soft foliage and rich, deep green shading create a pleasing contrast as it rises from the yard, making it an excellent choice for a living privacy fence. - Palm Trees
Lady Palm and Everglades Palm are examples of palm trees that offer dense foliage and multiple trunks, making them an ideal option for capturing Florida’s vibe while also establishing and retaining privacy. Unlike tall, skinny palm trees commonly seen in beach depictions, these variants have the potential to provide ample coverage. - Willow Hybrid
If you need a fast-growing tree that can grow into an ultra-effective privacy screen within a few years, the Willow Hybrid might be the ideal option. With heights easily reaching between 50 and 75 feet, it offers far more coverage than a fence ever could. Moreover, these trees are low-maintenance, making them the perfect choice for a living privacy fence that is both practical and attractive.
The Best evergreen trees to grow in Florida
Florida is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes that feature a variety of evergreen trees, including swaying palm
trees and vast orange groves. The state’s warm and wet climate is ideal for growing evergreens, with the U.S. Department
of Agriculture plant hardiness zones ranging from 8a in the north to 11a in the south.
Florida’s diverse vegetation includes pine woodlands, mixed highland forests, cabbage palm forests, wetlands, and
beaches. The state boasts over 300 native tree species, with many of them being evergreen. Furthermore, numerous other
tree species have been introduced for landscaping purposes, making Florida a paradise for nature lovers and landscapers
alike.
Here are some of the best evergreen trees in Florida:
- Pine Trees
Pine trees have evergreen needles arranged in bundles. The slash pine is one of two native pines to Florida and can grow up to 100 feet tall in USDA zones 7-11. It sheds lower limbs over time, exposing a tall, bare trunk and a lofty, circular canopy. Sand pine, another native pine, can survive in USDA zones 7a-10b and grows slowly up to 40 feet tall. - Slash Pine
The slash pine is a native tree in Florida that can grow up to 100 feet tall. Its reddish-brown bark with green dots and grayish-blue needles makes it a beautiful addition to any landscape. This evergreen species is resistant to hurricanes and strong winds, making it suitable for Florida’s climate. Additionally, the slash pine provides ample food and shelter for local wildlife, making it an essential component of Florida’s ecosystem. Its thick bark also helps protect it from harm. - Palm Trees
Palm trees have feathery or fan-like evergreen leaves that form the crown of the trunk. Florida is home to three native palm species, including the state tree and the cabbage palm, which can grow up to 50 feet tall in USDA zones 8b-11. The saw palmetto grows up to 20 feet tall in USDA zones 8-11 and is salt and drought-tolerant. The Florida royal palm, found in USDA zones 10-11, has gray trunks and large leaf crowns. - Geiger Tree
The Geiger Tree is Florida’s official state tree and can reach 80 feet tall. It produces charming white flowers in summer and thrives in sandy coastal locations. Geiger trees are great for the ecosystem since they provide food for Florida wildlife. - Hong Kong Orchid Tree
The Hong Kong Orchid Tree can reach 60 feet and has large, fan-shaped leaves. Its yellow flowers bloom from April to May with pink or purple coloring. - Sweet Orange Tree
Known as Florida’s official fruit tree, sweet orange trees have large, leathery fan-shaped leaves and produce fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by oranges in winter. Its height may reach 40 feet with its branches extending at least 20 feet. - Bald Cypress
The Bald Cypress is native to Florida and can grow up to 100 feet tall. Its bark turns vibrant crimson when wet, and it thrives in damp environments like marshes. These trees provide food for Florida’s wildlife. - Black Olive
The Black Olive tree is a tropical evergreen tree that can reach a height of 40 feet with a spread-out width of at least 60 feet. This tree is valued for its dense foliage that provides ample shade and privacy. Its dark-green leaves are leathery and shiny, giving it a distinctive look in any landscape. - Southern Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia is a majestic tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide. It is valued for its beautiful, large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in the summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. The tree has a dense, pyramidal canopy of shiny, dark-green leaves that are leathery and provide ample shade. - Loblolly Bay
Loblolly Bay is a species of flowering tree that belongs to the family Theaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The tree is notable for its large, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. - Dahoon Holly
Dahoon Holly is a type of holly bush that can grow up to 15 feet tall with glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It produces white flowers in spring and blackberries in summer, making it an attractive option for Florida’s landscape.
How to choose the right tree
Planting the right tree in the appropriate location can provide homeowners and their landscapes with a host of benefits
beyond the obvious. Here are the advantages of trees in landscapes:
- They provide a structure that receives shade and cooler summertime temperatures, which can result in cheaper
electricity costs. - They raise the value of properties.
- They enhance air quality by reducing air pollution and particle matter.
- They help to decrease flooding and pollution by absorbing water that would otherwise run off the landscape.
- Well-chosen and well-maintained trees can help shield homes from hurricane-force winds.
Planting the appropriate evergreen tree in your landscape is an effortless way to enhance your outdoor space. With a
variety of evergreen tree species that thrive throughout the state, you can choose between flowering, fruiting, or shade
trees. However, it’s essential to select a tree that suits your landscape and the purpose it serves.
To narrow down your choices, it’s best to consider the characteristics of the tree, such as its growth rate, height, and
width. This way, you can select the right tree that meets your preferences and complements the surroundings. With proper
planning, you can ensure your tree will grow problem-free and require minimal maintenance for years to come.
Conclusion
Florida’s subtropical climate provides an ideal environment for growing a diverse range of trees that cater to various
needs. Whether you require a tree for shade, fruit-bearing, local adaptation, or ornamental purposes, there’s one for
you.
With numerous Florida-friendly tree options available, you can choose one that can withstand the state’s harsh
conditions, be it salty coastal surroundings, scorching and dry weather in southern regions, or chilly winters in North
Florida.