Florida Shade Trees

What Type of Shade Trees Will Grow in Florida?

Most shade tree types can grow in north Florida and many can grow in central Florida. Few can grow in south Florida. Maple trees, birch trees, oak trees, flowering pear trees, flowering cherry trees, willow trees, sycamore trees, and gingko trees can grow in some parts of Florida.

What are the Best Shade Trees for South Florida

Unfortunately there aren’t many shade trees that are recommended for growing zone 10. Some unique options for south Florida shade trees are crape myrtles, magnolias, and palm trees like the windmill palm. The best crape myrtles for shade are large varieties like muskogee crape myrtle and natchez crape myrtle. The sweetbay magnolia is also a great option for a small shade tree in Florida.

What are the Best Shade Trees for Central Florida

Central Florida has many options in shade trees. This region is mainly growing zone 9. The American sycamore, Cleveland pear, gingko, October glory maple, red maple, river birch, Shumard oak, weeping willow, and willow oak are all great shade trees for central Florida.

What are the Fastest Growing Shade Trees for Florida?

The American sycamore, lombardy poplar, silver maple, and weeping willow are the fastest growing Florida shade trees. They can all grow more than 5 feet in a single year. The autumn blaze maple and the tulip poplar are also fast growing shade trees, averaging as much as 3 to 5 feet per year. The October glory maple, northern red oak, red sunset maple, river birch, and shumard oak can grow 2 to 3 feet per year. These are all fast growing Florida shade trees.

When to Plant Florida Shade Trees

The best time to plant shade trees in Florida is in fall. However winter and early spring is also an excellent time of the year to plant in Florida. Avoid summer planting. If you do plant in late spring or summer supplement with lots of water! This means a deep watering just about every day for the first couple months.

How to Plant Florida Shade Trees

When you receive your new Florida shade tree, water it thoroughly. Keep the root ball moist until you are ready to plant. Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the tree’s pot. Place your tree in the hole and make sure it is straight and level. To avoid planting too deeply, be sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the existing soil line. Now, backfill the soil around your Florida shade tree and tamp it down gently to remove air pockets. Add a 1 to 2 inch layer of mulch extended at least a few inches past the rootzone. Mulch helps the ground retain moisture, protects roots, and reduces weeds. Water thoroughly until the ground is completely saturated. Water daily for the first week.

How to Care for Florida Shade Trees?

Shade trees require minimal if any maintenance once they are established. During establishment water your Florida shade tree deeply 1 to 3 times per week to help the roots grow properly. In Florida it is best to keep up this watering schedule through the tree’s first summer as well. Deep waterings help the roots grow deeply and your tree establish faster. This type of watering can also help eliminate surface roots and promote a stronger healthier tree. 

Where to Buy Florida Shade Trees

Buy Florida shade trees for sale online. At PlantingTree we believe in taking great care of our customers and shipping only high quality plants. We are a family owned and operated online plant nursery that carries a huge selection of plants and trees for sale. We are located in North Carolina and ship throughout the continental United States. Our premium Florida shade trees are large and well-branched. We pick and pack your order on the day that it ships out from our facility. We guarantee your Florida shade tree will arrive at your home healthy and ready to plant. Scroll up to view our in stock shade trees for Florida.

What Type of Grass Grows in Shade Under Oak Trees in North Florida?

Zoysia is the best grass to grow under oak trees in florida. This type of grass can tolerate shade and heat. Several groundcover plants can also be used. Try shade tolerant plants like liriope, asiatic jasmine, and sedge. Hostas and coral bells (heuchera) love heavy shade and can also be planted under oak trees. 

Best Shade Trees for Florida

American Sycamore Tree

Growing Zone 4-9

Cleveland Pear Tree

Growing Zones 5-9

Ginkgo Tree

Growing Zones 3-9

October Glory Maple

Growing Zones 4-9

Red Maple Tree

Growing Zones 3-9

River Birch Tree

Growing Zones 4-9

Shumard Oak Tree

Growing Zones 5-9

Weeping Willow Tree

Growing Zones 4-9

Willow Oak

Growing Zones 5-9

For additional options, be sure to browse our online plant nursery.

You May Also Like: 

Florida Trees

Florida Palm Trees

Florida Oak Trees

Florida Flowering Trees