Choosing the right trees to plant on your Central Florida property can make all the difference when it comes to beauty, shade, fruit production, and even storm resilience. Our Winter Springs tree service has cultivated deep knowledge of the trees that thrive in Orlando’s climate and soils over our decades of experience. In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best trees for different needs and areas of your yard, as well as provide guidelines on optimal spacing to allow each tree to fully flourish. Read on to learn which trees enhance curb appeal, provide delicious fruit, stand strong in storms, and more.
Curb Appeal Trees for Front and Side Yards
When people drive or walk by your home, the trees in your front and side yards make one of the biggest impressions. To boost your property’s aesthetics, we recommend choosing ornamental trees that put on a show of flowers, interesting bark, or brilliant fall color.
Crape Myrtles for Multi-Season Interest
Crape myrtles are one of the most popular ornamental trees in Orlando and Winter Springs for good reason. They explode with ruffled blooms in summer, then captivate with striking peeling bark in winter. For the best look, space crape myrtles at least 15–20 feet apart and 20 feet from buildings or other trees. That allows their vase-shaped form to fully develop.
Weeping Willows for Graceful Drama
Weeping willows live up to their name, with long trailing branches that sway in the breeze. For full effect, give weeping willows ample room to spill downward, spacing them at least 30 feet from other trees and 20 feet from buildings. Be sure you have space for their massive 60-foot-wide canopy, too!
Fruit Trees for Nutrition and Delight
Beyond visual appeal, another way to get more enjoyment from your landscape is to plant fruit trees. Situate them in spots where you’ll often see and savor their harvests.
Citrus for Sun-Kissed Fresh Flavor
Few things evoke Florida living more than trees hung heavy with ripe, juicy oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and more. For vigorous growth, plant citrus at least 20–30 feet apart. That prevents intermingling root systems from competing for nutrients.
Loquats For Sweet, Early Season Treats
If you crave homegrown fruit but want it earlier than citrus season, loquats are for you. These small, multi-trunked trees flower in autumn and bear delicate sweet-tart fruit in early spring. Allow at least 15 feet between loquats to prevent crowding.
Scale-Resistant Trees for Ease of Care
Some trees have inherent qualities that minimize pest problems, messy fruit drop, and surface rooting that disrupts lawns. For lower maintenance, plant these sturdy, trouble-free options.
Bald Cypress for Deep Rooting
As iconic Florida swamp trees, bald cypresses grow well in moist areas of residential yards too. Their thick taproots plunge deep, keeping trees firmly anchored without disruptive surface roots. Allow ample space between cypresses, at 30 feet apart near water or 20 feet apart in dry soil.
Crape Myrtles for Cleanliness
In addition to their good looks, crape myrtles stay tidy with minimal leaf drop, litter, pests or disease. Plant them wherever you’ll appreciate neat, fuss-free trees.
Storm-Tested Trees for Weather Resilience
From tropical storms to windstorms and the occasional hurricane or tornado, Winter Springs and all of Central Florida faces extreme weather at times. Smart tree choices create “reinforcements” to help secure patio covers, screen enclosures, and roofing against gusts and flying debris.
Live Oaks to Secure Structures
A symbol of strength and resilience, live oaks have low-slung sturdy branches well-equipped to withstand wind and wet conditions. Use them as natural anchors around patios and buildings, spacing oaks at least 20 feet from structures and 30 feet apart for full spread.
Longleaf Pines to Defy Hurricane Winds
With foot-long needles and deep taproots, towering longleaf pines are exceptionally wind-firm. They strengthen homes against hurricane-force winds when planted as windbreaks surrounding properties. Space longleaf pines at least 20 feet from buildings and 30 feet apart.
By choosing the right Central Florida trees for your needs and properly spacing them apart, you’ll enjoy a landscape that overflows with curb appeal, productivity, ease of care, and storm resilience for decades to come. Our Winter Springs tree experts are happy to offer additional guidance on the best trees for your unique property. Contact us today to discuss your vision!
Please call