Fast Growing Shade Trees for South Florida

Living in the hot and humid climate of South Florida, shade is a precious commodity. The intense sun and high temperatures can make being outside unbearable during the day Planting fast growing shade trees is an ideal solution to provide some relief

When strategically planted around your home and yard, fast growing shade trees in South Florida can reduce air conditioning costs and create comfortable outdoor living spaces. This guide covers the benefits of shade trees, factors to consider when choosing them, and the top picks for fast growth in South Florida.

Why Fast Growing Shade Trees?

There are many advantages to planting fast growing shade trees in South Florida:

• Quickly provide cooling shade – Fast growing varieties offer shade sooner sometimes in just a year or two after planting. Slow growing trees can take many years to make an impact.

• Lower energy bills – Shading a home’s roof, windows, and AC unit can reduce air conditioning usage and costs. Mature trees can cut an unshaded home’s air conditioning costs by up to 30%

• Enhance comfort – Shade allows South Floridians to enjoy being outside during the day. Shaded patios, decks, and yards become relaxing oases.

• Improve aesthetics – The right tree in the right spot can boost curb appeal and beautify the landscape. Shade trees also create privacy.

• Support the environment – Through transpiration and reducing urban heat, shade trees improve air quality. Their canopies also absorb noise and stormwater.

Factors for Selecting Fast Growing Shade Trees

To pick the best fast growing shade tree, consider these factors:

• Mature size – Make sure to leave enough room for the tree to reach its full height and spread. Check spacing from buildings, overhead wires, sidewalks, and other trees.

• Growth rate – Look for varieties that pack on several feet of height per year. The faster the growth, the sooner you get shade.

• Hardiness zone – Select trees suited for South Florida’s subtropical climate, mainly zones 10a to 11. Many trees for Central Florida can’t take the heat.

• Soil – Sandy and well-draining soil predominates in South Florida. Pick trees that thrive in these conditions.

• Salt tolerance – Important for trees along the oceanfront that receive salt spray.

• Drought tolerance – Crucial for low water needs once established. South Florida trees need to withstand dry spells.

• Canopy shape – Decide if you want an oval, pyramidal, columnar, or rounded shape. This impacts the shade pattern.

• Roots – Some trees like ficus and figs have invasive roots that ruin lawns, sidewalks, and plumbing. Keep them away from pavement and buildings.

• Fruit and flowers – Consider whether you want showy flowers or possibly messy fruits. Some trees like mulberries constantly drop fruit.

The Top Fast Growing Shade Trees for South Florida

Here are prime picks for quick shade in South Florida:

Live Oak

The majestic live oak (Quercus virginiana) is an evergreen icon of the South. Live oaks are also among the fastest growing shade trees in South Florida, adding several feet per year when young. Their thick, sprawling canopies reach 60 to 100 feet wide.

Southern Magnolia

A classic symbol of the South, southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) thrive in South Florida. They’re fast growing up to 80 feet tall and their large, glossy leaves provide dense shade. Their fragrant white blooms are a bonus.

Gumbo Limbo

Gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), also called the turpentine tree, is a fast growing South Florida native. It can add up to 6 feet per year and tolerates coastal conditions. The red peeling bark is part of its charm.

African Tulip Tree

A beloved exotic tree, African tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata) grow quickly up to 80 feet tall in South Florida. Their rounded crowns cast plenty of shade. Vibrant orange-red flowers provide seasonal color.

Albizia

Albizia (Albizia julibrissin), also called mimosa or silk tree, is a very fast grower that can add 10 feet in a single year. Its umbrella-like canopy provides light, dappled shade. Feathery pink blooms in summer are a highlight.

Laurel Oak

The laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia) is a fast growing oak native to Florida, adding over 2 feet per year. It matures to 60 feet tall and wide, with a rounded canopy perfect for shade. Foliage stays green year-round.

Royal Poinciana

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is a tropical favorite known for its striking red-orange blooms. It quickly reaches up to 50 feet in South Florida. The fern-like leaves cast filtered shade.

Geiger Tree

Geiger trees (Cordia sebestena) are medium-sized shade trees that grow up to 10 feet per year in South Florida. They produce abundant orange flowers and have disease resistance.

Bamboo Palm

Though not a true palm, bamboo palms (Chamaedorea seifrizii) are fast-growing shade trees for small spaces. Their dense fronds provide dappled shade and they grow about 1 foot per year.

Loquat

The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is an attractive broadleaf evergreen that adds interesting texture to the landscape. It grows quickly to 20-30 feet tall and can tolerate some shade. Edible yellow fruits are a tasty bonus.

Caring for New Shade Trees

Proper care when your new shade tree is planted helps ensure fast growth off to a vigorous start:

• Prepare the site by loosening and amending the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage. Dig a wide planting hole.

• Find the root flare on the tree and make sure it sits at grade after planting, not buried too deep.

• Water thoroughly at planting and cover the area with mulch to retain moisture.

• Stake the tree for support if needed on windy sites. Allow some sway to encourage strong trunk and root growth.

• Water deeply 2-3 times per week during the first year, more often in dry periods. Deep watering promotes deep roots.

• Apply a general purpose fertilizer in spring to boost establishment. Follow label rates.

• Prune only dead or damaged branches in the first year. Allow the tree time to recover from transplanting before major pruning.

Enjoy the Benefits of Shade

When you pick the right fast growing shade tree and give it proper care, it won’t be long until you can enjoy the benefits. Nestle a hammock under your new shade tree or entertain on a patio kept cool thanks to the canopy above. The shade will even allow you to garden during the day again!