The best small trees for the north Florida climate are those that have a relatively fast rate of growth, tolerate low light levels, and have an attractive form with dense foliage.
When picking out trees for your yard, it can be easy to overlook the smaller plants. However, these smaller species provide many benefits for their larger cousins.
Smaller plants require less time to install into your yard and don’t take up as much space as more popular varieties do.
The best small trees for Florida should be compatible with harsh Florida weather, invasive species and relatively less fertile soils.
Florida is a state with a variety of climates and terrains, but there are a few trees that might be better for Florida’s specific needs than others.
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Reviews:7 Best Small Trees For Florida In 2023
1.Wild Cinnamon Bark(wild cinnamon tree florida)
Wild Cinnamon Bark can grow up to 30 feet tall, but live in less than 10 years. It has a rough, bark-like texture and has red-brown leaves that grow in bunches of 3.
Advantages
- It has a light cinnamon scent, which is pleasant and strong enough to be enjoyed by humans, but not too strong that it becomes unpleasant to smell.
- This tree can grow in a variety of climates.
- The leaves have medicinal uses and can help prevent some types of infections.
Disadvantages
- It is invasive in more places than most trees.
2.Magnolia Tree, Bracken Brown(Southern magnolia)
The magnolia tree has a variety of colors, shapes and sizes at maturity.The magnolia tree is a moderate grower, reaching heights of up to 30 feet, but can live in less than 10 years.This tree has dark green and shiny leaves that have a rose-like shape.
The flowers are white and resemble a small and hairy strawberry. The flowers are relatively small when compared to other trees, so they are great for smaller yards.
Pros
- Easy to grow
- Quick to produce flowers
- Less maintenance
- High growth rate
Cons
- Can be invasive
- Might cause allergies
- live in less than 10 years.
3. Sand Cherry Tree Outdoor Living Florida
The Sand Cherry tree is a deciduous tree with small, cherry-sized leaves during the spring and summer seasons. It is semi desert-like in its native environment (in the Mediterranean) and can survive in Florida, which has the same climate.
- This tree is an ideal shade tree for outdoor living and is a good choice for Florida.
- This tree is well suited to stand up to Florida weather, having thick bark and being moist from the frequent rain showers.
- This tree is resistant to the many insects and diseases affecting other trees.
- The leaves are green and tough, which makes them ideal for the environment where it is planted.
- This tree is used in landscaping and as a fruit tree because of its aesthetic appeal.
Disadvantages
- The fruits are rarely available to humans or animals because they are too small to catch.
4.Cordia Sebestena:
This is another Spanish Olive tree. It is a deciduous tree and grows about 30 feet tall. It is native to Asia and has been used in landscaping for its appearance and shade.
- This tree is strong and healthy, making it a great choice for Florida.
- The leaves are green and tough, which makes them ideal for the environment where it is planted.
- This tree is resistant to the many insects and diseases affecting other trees.
- This tree has a relatively short growing period, which is great for sunny Florida.
Disadvantages
- The fruit is rarely available to humans or animals because it is too small to catch.
5.Hazel (Corylus avellana):
Hazel trees are deciduous trees native to Europe and Asia. It is a moderately fast growing deciduous tree growing up to 50 feet tall.
Advantages
- This tree is a great choice for Florida as it can withstand the climate and grow up to 50 feet high in 60 years.
- The leaves are green and tough, which makes them ideal for the environment where it is planted.
- This tree is resistant to the many insects and diseases affecting other trees.
- The trees are used as a food source and have a high quality wood.
Disadvantages
- The fruit is rarely available to humans or animals because it is too small to catch.
6.Bottlebrush Tree:
The Bottlebrush tree can grow as tall as 30 feet and has leaves that resemble that of a pine tree.The leaves are narrow, but long and coarse.They have small white flowers that grow in dense clusters at the base of the tree.
The flowers produce seeds very quickly, so it is recommended planting this tree in an area where it will be contained or have room for expansion.
7.Wild Lime:
The wild lime can grow up to 30 feet tall and can live up to 2 to 3 decades.These trees have foliage that resembles a very thick, rough, bark-like texture or white flowers that grow in dense clusters at the base of the tree.
The flowers produce seeds very quickly, so it is recommended planting this tree in an area where it will be contained or have room for expansion.
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Pros
- Easy maintenance
- pest-free
- disease resistant well suited to survive our climate
cons
- None
8.Ylang Ylang, Dwarf:
The ylang ylang, dwarf tree can grow up to 15 feet tall and can live in less than 10 years. The foliage is a bright green and the flowers are creamy yellow.
These are relatively small trees so they are great if you want to fill in areas but don’t want something that is too big. The flowers become less abundant at about 25 feet and are pollinated by hummingbirds.
Advantages
- This tree is a native species to Florida, so it will grow quickly in the soil.
- The flowers are very strong and sweet smelling, which makes the tree a good option for those with allergies.
- This tree is drought tolerant and can be a good choice for Florida climate.
- It is an excellent ornamental plant and is frequently used to make mulch.
Disadvantages
- They can take up too much space.
9.Ligustrum:
This tree has a variety of colors and shapes at maturity.Ligustrum is a moderate grower, reaching heights of up to 20 feet, but it can live in less than 10 years.This tree has dark green and shiny leaves that have a rose-like shape.
The flowers are white and resemble small strawberries.This tree has a pleasant aroma and is great for filling in open spaces or as a background for other plants/trees.
Pros
- Fast growth rate
- Warming, bold, flowery scent
Cons
- Invasive if not cared for properly in Florida
10.Jatropha Tree:
Jatropha trees are a moderate grower, reaching heights of up to 20 feet, but they can live in less than 10 years.This tree has dark green and shiny leaves that have a rose-like shape.
The flowers are white and resemble small strawberries. This tree has a pleasant aroma and is great for filling in open spaces or as a background for other plants/trees.
pros
- Oversized leaves with a thick, rough texture
- Fast growth rate
- Plentiful blooms which can be white, brown or red
- Impervious to wind and insects
- Can survive in sandy/clay soils
Cons:
- Toxic to livestock.
- Can be invasive
11.Compuertia psuedo-olivacea:
This Spanish Olive has a wide canopy which is great for shade but provides a little less privacy than the wild cinnamon bark does. It is slow growing and takes a bit longer to grow to its full height, which is around 20 feet.
However, it can live up to 45 years with care. This tree is well suited to Florida weather, and can grow in the sunny places of Florida.
Advantages
- It is the perfect height for sun bathing under or having a picnic.
- The tree produces Spanish olive oil which is great for cooking, making soap and toiletries.
- This tree will grow in a variety of climates.
Disadvantages
- There are concerns that this tree can be invasive, and it can take over areas where it should not live.
Conclusion
Trees that can be maintained by trimming include. These trees are suitable for use in residential areas where lawns or other vegetation may not be suitable.
All the trees on our review are 100% a sure bet as they are not only Listed by Florida Department of Agriculture but aslo by Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, through the State Tree Nursery Program. Lastly, counter-check which types of small trees are for sale at our nurseries.