Florida Native Christmas Trees

The holidays are upon us and for most a real Christmas tree immediately comes to mind as a must have staple. Did you know that rather then buying an out of state harvested tree, that you can obtain a Florida grown native Christmas tree? Indeed there are multiple options to either harvest your own tree from an actual Florida Christmas tree farm or purchase a potted Florida native tree to decorate and then replant in your yard. Some potential species available include: Southern Red Cedar, Longleaf Pine, Dahoon Holly, Leyland Cypress, and Slash Pine. These trees have the added benefits of being acclimated to our local environment without the problems inherent to out of state trees.  Additional information and photographs of potential Florida Christmas Tree Natives are available below:

Southern Red Cedar

Dahoon Holly

Longleaf Pine

Leyland Cypress

Slash Pine

• Christmas Tree Farms in Florida - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)
• Florida Christmas Tree Association (flchristmastrees.com)
• Living Christmas Trees - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (ufl.edu)

Vertical Forests

The typical urban environment includes many challenges for establishing a proper tree canopy. Limited space, utility and infrastructure conflicts, pollution, disease and inadequate root and canopy space are some of the more critical ones. These challenges have compelled Urban Foresters to seek out technology and outside the box thinking when it comes to finding places to plant trees. Silva cells, mounded planting, structural soil and use of the right tree in the right place has helped provide solutions for these challenges.
Recently architects and designers have found new places to start planting trees: on rooftops and within multi-story buildings. An article by Fast Company covers this latest trend. When dealing with an ever changing urban environment finding new places to plant trees should always be a priority as they provide a wealth of health and environmental benefits.

Image used courtesy of Fast Company

Image used courtesy of Inhabitat.com

 

Watering New Trees

To plant and establish new trees, there are many factors to consider. Proper planting depth, bracing, and slow release fertilization are all important aspects of this process; however, tree watering is the most essential.
 
Newly planted trees suffer from over or under watering all too often. Thankfully, technology has evolved to help rectify this problem. Tree bladders were created as a way to reduce labor costs for tree establishment, and to also ensure new trees are sufficiently watered. They slowly release water over time ensuring that the rootball of trees are watered evenly and at a steady rate, typically only requiring replenishment once or twice a week. This process promotes water conservation and sustainability by saving water and money. Tree bladders are also reusable, further increasing the can provide a potential for cost savings well beyond their initial use. To learn more about watering new trees and different types of tree bladders please see below:

 

Image Used Courtesy of Tree Gator©

 

Image Used Courtesy of Tree Gator©

Image Used Courtesy of TreeDiaper©

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep113

http://www.treegator.com/products/original/index.html

http://www.treegator.com/products/jrpro/index.html

https://www.treediaper.com/about-products.cfm



New Tree Planting

So Spring is upon us and I normally receive a lot of questions pertaining to how and where to plant new trees in Fort Lauderdale. The first part is to identify a location on your property that is in need of a new tree whether for aesthetics, shade a source of fruit etc. Be aware that new tree planting in the City right-of-way swale will require a City landscaping permit, unless the tree(s) were provided through the City's Adopt A Tree Program. For more information on the City's Adopt A Tree Program please visit the following website: City of Fort Lauderdale Adopt A Tree Program. Next pay attention to the onsite conditions, does the proposed location have existing overhead or underground utilities, does the site receive ample sun or shade and how much room is available for a future mature tree (canopy and root room). Remember to call 811 before you dig to verify utility locations. Then you select an appropriate tree species for the location based on answers to the above questions. Make sure whatever tree you choose to plant is free from defects (girdling roots, poor structure, diseased etc.) and a minimum Florida No. 1 grade.  As for planting the tree dig out a hole that is at least 2-3 times the size of the new tree root ball, remove all burlap/wiring etc. from the rootball, place the tree on a firmly packed soil base within the planting hole backfilling around the root ball with a mix of native/top soil gently tamping it in place. Make sure that the final planting height is about 2-3" above grade as the tree will settle over time. Depending on tree size bracing and staking may be necessary. Make sure to use trunk protectors when bracing to avoid strap damage, and often trees are braced on three sides. Do not tighten the braces too much as a limited amount of play will be essential for allowing the tree to develop proper taper. Establishment watering is critical for the first 3-5 months. A general rule of thumb is to water every day for the first 30 days, every other day the next 30 days, every 3-4 days the next 30 and every 5-7 days the last 2-3 months. Please visit the following web links for additional information on proper tree planting and have fun this Spring with your new trees:

www.treesaregood.com/portals/0/docs/treecare/New_TreePlanting.pdf
https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/containerized.cfm

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting.shtml 

How Trees Help in Preventing Floods

One often overlooked benefit that trees provide involves their ability to mitigate the effects of flooding and sudden water runoff from storms and or significant tidal events. Here in Fort Lauderdale flooding can occur from both and it is very important to keep strategic tree plantings in the mix to protect our coastlines from tidal events and or storm caused surges. The following article excerpt continues to define a tree's benefit as it pertains to flooding....

Trees are one of the most important organisms that exist on planet Earth 

Food for all living organisms originates from trees and other members in the plant kingdom. Every single organism depends directly or indirectly on trees for their survival. Trees not only provide food for other organisms, but also shelter and protection to many different types of organisms including humans. In addition, trees also provide wood, shade, oxygen and clean air. During heavy rains, trees reduce the risk of flooding. There are two major ways in which trees provide protection against flooding. Continue to Full Article

How to Stake a Tree Properly (And How Long to Keep It Staked)

   

Ensuring newly planted trees are braced if warranted is considered of paramount importance second only to proper planting and establishment watering. Please read excerpts form the Davey Tree article to learn more about if a tree needs to be braced, and if so how to go about proper bracing.
The new tree you planted is counting on you for enough water, sunlight and nutrients – and it needs a few other elements to succeed, too. A bit of pruning early on can help your tree establish a good shape. And your new tree may need a bit of literal support, like a stake. Though, not all young trees need to be staked. Read on to see if you should stake a new tree. If so, learn some staking trees methods and how long to keep a tree staked.

What You Need to Know About Staking New Trees

While it seems like young trees need extra support, most trees don’t need to be staked. Staking trees that don’t need it can cause the tree to grow fewer roots and develop a weak tree base. Only stake your tree if it needs extra support, protection or help staying anchored.

Should you stake your new tree?

If you properly planted a healthy tree with a sturdy trunk and solid root system, chances are you won’t have to stake it. You also don’t have to stake evergreens, conifers or trees that have branches growing lower to the ground. There are times when you should stake trees, though. .......... Continue Onto Article