When you’re planning your South Florida landscape, the trees you choose can mean the difference between a property that thrives through hurricane season with minimal maintenance and one that requires constant attention and costly storm cleanup. Native trees of Broward County offer homeowners a powerful combination of hurricane resistance, ecological benefits, and significantly reduced maintenance requirements compared to exotic species.
At Discount Tree Service, we’ve spent over 25 years working with South Florida’s diverse tree species, and we’ve seen firsthand how native trees outperform non-native alternatives during our most challenging weather events. Whether you’re planning a new landscape or gradually transitioning your existing property to more resilient species, understanding Broward County’s native trees is essential for long-term success.
Our team of experienced arborists serves homeowners throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, and Boca Raton, and we’re frequently asked which trees perform best in our unique subtropical climate. If you’re looking for expert guidance on tree selection and care, visit our Google Business Profile to see how we’ve helped thousands of Broward County property owners create beautiful, resilient landscapes.
Why Choose Native Trees for Broward County Properties
Native trees have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in South Florida’s specific conditions—sandy soils, high humidity, seasonal flooding, salt spray, and hurricane-force winds. This evolutionary adaptation translates into tangible benefits for homeowners.
Superior Hurricane Resistance
Native species have developed deep, spreading root systems and flexible wood characteristics that allow them to bend rather than break during tropical storms and hurricanes. Historical storm data from Hurricane Wilma (2005), Irma (2017), and other major weather events consistently shows that native trees suffer significantly less damage than exotic species. While non-native trees often require complete removal after major storms, native trees typically need only minor tree trimming to address broken branches.
Dramatically Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Because native trees are adapted to local rainfall patterns, soil chemistry, and pest populations, they require far less intervention than exotic species. Once established, most native trees need no supplemental irrigation, minimal fertilization, and rarely require pest treatments. This adaptation means fewer service calls, lower maintenance costs, and less time spent on landscape care.
Ecological and Environmental Benefits
Native trees support local wildlife populations that have co-evolved with these species. They provide food sources for native birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects while creating habitat for species that help control pest populations naturally. Native trees also support mycorrhizal networks in the soil that improve overall landscape health and resilience.
Water Conservation Advantages
In an era of increasing water restrictions and environmental awareness, native trees offer significant water conservation benefits. Their deep root systems access moisture unavailable to shallow-rooted exotic species, and their natural adaptation to South Florida’s wet-dry seasonal cycle means they thrive without the constant irrigation that exotic species demand.
Top Native Tree Species for Broward County
Understanding the specific characteristics of individual native species helps you make informed decisions about which trees will work best for your property’s unique conditions and your landscape goals.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Growth Characteristics: Live oaks are the monarchs of South Florida landscapes, eventually reaching 40-60 feet in height with massive spreading canopies that can extend 60-100 feet. These evergreen oaks grow moderately fast when young (2-3 feet per year) and develop the iconic spreading form that provides exceptional shade.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent)
Live oaks consistently rank as one of the most hurricane-resistant trees in Florida. Their dense, heavy wood and deep taproot system provide exceptional stability. During Hurricane Andrew, mature live oaks in South Florida showed minimal damage while exotic species were devastated.
Maintenance Needs: Low to moderate. Live oaks benefit from structural pruning when young to develop strong branch architecture. Mature specimens need occasional deadwood removal but require minimal intervention. They naturally shed small branches, which is normal and not a concern.
Wildlife Value: Exceptional. Live oaks support over 300 species of insects, which in turn feed numerous bird species. Acorns provide food for squirrels, jays, and other wildlife. The dense canopy creates habitat for nesting birds and roosting bats.
Ideal Planting Locations: Large properties with room for the expansive canopy, parks, estate properties, and as specimen shade trees. Not suitable for small yards or locations near structures due to eventual size. Plant at least 30 feet from buildings and 15 feet from driveways.
Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)
Growth Characteristics: Known as the “tourist tree” for its peeling reddish bark that resembles sunburned skin, gumbo limbo grows quickly (3-4 feet per year) to 25-50 feet tall with a spreading, irregular canopy. This deciduous tree briefly drops leaves in late winter before flowering.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent)
Gumbo limbo’s flexible branches and wind-resistant form make it one of the best hurricane performers in South Florida. The tree can be completely defoliated by storms and fully recover within weeks. Remarkably, broken branches stuck in the ground will often root and grow into new trees.
Maintenance Needs: Very low. Gumbo limbo is extremely drought-tolerant once established and resistant to pests and diseases. Minimal pruning needed except to remove dead wood or shape young trees. Self-healing bark requires no treatment when damaged.
Wildlife Value: High. Flowers attract butterflies and bees. Fruits provide food for numerous bird species. The distinctive bark creates habitat for beneficial insects and small lizards.
Ideal Planting Locations: Coastal properties (highly salt-tolerant), medium to large yards, naturalistic landscapes, and as a fast-growing shade tree. Excellent choice for waterfront properties. Can be planted 15-20 feet from structures.
Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni)
Growth Characteristics: West Indian mahogany grows at a moderate pace (1-2 feet per year) to 40-60 feet tall with a dense, rounded canopy. This semi-evergreen tree may briefly drop leaves in spring before new growth emerges. Young trees have a pyramidal shape that becomes more rounded with age.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★☆ (Very Good)
Mahogany’s strong wood and well-distributed branch structure provide excellent wind resistance. While not quite as flexible as gumbo limbo, mature mahogany trees consistently perform well during hurricanes with minimal structural damage.
Maintenance Needs: Low to moderate. Young trees benefit from structural pruning to develop strong architecture. Mature trees need occasional deadwood removal. Mahogany webworm can occasionally affect trees but rarely causes serious damage and doesn’t require treatment in most cases.
Wildlife Value: Moderate to high. Seeds provide food for parrots and other large birds. Dense canopy creates nesting habitat. Flowers attract pollinators.
Ideal Planting Locations: Medium to large properties, street trees (where approved), estate landscapes, and as shade trees. Plant 25-30 feet from structures. Excellent choice for properties where you want a more formal, traditional shade tree appearance.
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Growth Characteristics: Despite being a conifer, bald cypress is deciduous, dropping its needles in winter. It grows moderately fast (1-2 feet per year) to 50-70 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded form. In wet conditions, trees develop characteristic “knees” (pneumatophores) that emerge from roots.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent)
Bald cypress is exceptionally wind-resistant due to its strong wood, flexible branches, and deep root system. These trees regularly survive hurricanes with minimal damage, even in exposed locations.
Maintenance Needs: Very low. Once established, bald cypress requires virtually no maintenance. Naturally resistant to pests and diseases. No pruning needed except to remove dead wood. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions.
Wildlife Value: High. Seeds feed numerous bird species. Dense foliage provides nesting sites. Knees and trunk cavities create habitat for various wildlife species.
Ideal Planting Locations: Wet areas, pond edges, retention areas, large properties, and naturalistic landscapes. One of the few native trees that thrives in poorly drained soils. Can be planted 20-25 feet from structures. Excellent choice for problem wet areas where other trees struggle.
Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto)
Growth Characteristics: Florida’s state tree, sabal palm grows slowly (6-12 inches per year) to 40-50 feet tall with a single trunk topped by a crown of fan-shaped fronds. This extremely hardy palm adapts to a wide range of conditions.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent)
Sabal palm is legendary for hurricane resistance. The flexible trunk bends in high winds, and the aerodynamic crown allows wind to pass through with minimal resistance. These palms routinely survive Category 5 hurricanes with little more than frond damage.
Maintenance Needs: Very low. Remove dead fronds annually or as needed for appearance. No fertilization required in most soils. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Resistant to lethal yellowing disease that affects many other palm species.
Wildlife Value: Moderate. Fruits provide food for birds and mammals. Crown provides nesting sites for various bird species.
Ideal Planting Locations: Any size property, coastal locations (highly salt-tolerant), street plantings, accent specimens, and grouped plantings. Can be planted 10-15 feet from structures. Excellent choice for smaller yards where large canopy trees won’t fit.
Pigeon Plum (Coccoloba diversifolia)
Growth Characteristics: This versatile native grows as either a large shrub or small tree (15-35 feet tall) depending on pruning and conditions. Moderate growth rate (1-2 feet per year) with dense, rounded canopy. Evergreen foliage with attractive reddish new growth.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★☆ (Very Good)
Dense branching structure and flexible wood provide good wind resistance. May lose branches in extreme winds but recovers quickly. Smaller size reduces wind load compared to larger trees.
Maintenance Needs: Low. Can be pruned to maintain as large shrub or allowed to grow as small tree. Minimal pest or disease issues. Drought-tolerant once established. May need occasional shaping to maintain desired form.
Wildlife Value: Exceptional. Fruits are highly attractive to birds, making this one of the best native trees for bird-watching enthusiasts. Flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Ideal Planting Locations: Small to medium yards, privacy screens, hedge plantings, coastal properties (salt-tolerant), and as understory trees beneath larger canopy trees. Can be planted 10-15 feet from structures. Excellent choice for creating habitat in smaller landscapes.
Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca)
Growth Characteristics: Fast-growing (2-3 feet per year) to 30-50 feet tall with an open, irregular canopy. Evergreen with compound leaves that create a tropical appearance. Upright growth habit when young becomes more spreading with age.
Hurricane Performance Rating: ★★★★☆ (Very Good)
Light, flexible wood and open canopy allow wind to pass through with minimal resistance. May lose branches in extreme winds but rarely suffers structural damage. Quick recovery after storms.
Maintenance Needs: Low. Minimal pruning needed except to develop structure when young or remove occasional dead wood. Drought-tolerant once established. No significant pest or disease issues.
Wildlife Value: High. Fruits attract numerous bird species. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies and bees. Open canopy creates habitat without excessive shade.
Ideal Planting Locations: Medium to large properties, naturalistic landscapes, coastal areas (moderately salt-tolerant), and as a fast-growing shade tree. Can be planted 20 feet from structures. Good choice when you need relatively quick screening or shade.
Creating Effective Mixed Native Plantings
The most resilient and ecologically valuable landscapes incorporate multiple native species in thoughtful combinations that provide layered wind protection and year-round interest.
Layering Strategies for Wind Protection
Create a windbreak effect by planting larger canopy trees (live oak, mahogany) as the primary layer, medium trees (gumbo limbo, paradise tree) as a secondary layer, and smaller trees or large shrubs (pigeon plum) as an understory layer. This graduated structure deflects wind upward and reduces overall wind speed across your property, protecting both trees and structures.
Species Combinations for Year-Round Interest
Combine evergreen species (live oak, pigeon plum) with deciduous species (gumbo limbo, bald cypress) to create visual interest throughout the seasons. The gumbo limbo’s peeling bark provides winter interest when deciduous trees are bare, while the seasonal leaf drop of bald cypress creates a distinctive autumn display.
Spacing Considerations
Allow adequate space for mature size while creating a connected canopy that provides mutual support. For large trees like live oak, space 40-50 feet apart. Medium trees like mahogany can be spaced 30-35 feet apart. Smaller trees like pigeon plum work well at 15-20 foot spacing. Remember that closer spacing creates faster canopy closure but may require selective removal as trees mature.
Where to Source Quality Native Specimens
Finding healthy, well-grown native trees is essential for long-term success. Look for these sources in Broward County:
Local Nurseries Specializing in Natives:
- Mesozoic Landscapes (Fort Lauderdale) – Extensive native tree selection
- The Natives (Davenport) – Worth the drive for rare species
- Going Native Nursery (multiple South Florida locations)
Native Plant Sales and Programs:
- Broward County Extension Office hosts periodic native plant sales
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Miami-Dade) annual plant sales include native trees
- Florida Native Plant Society (Serenoa Chapter) spring and fall sales
When selecting specimens, look for trees with well-developed root systems, straight central leaders (for single-trunk species), and no circling roots at the container edge. Avoid trees with damaged bark, dead branches, or signs of pest infestation.
Proper Establishment Techniques for Native Trees
Even drought-tolerant native trees need proper establishment care during their first year to develop the deep root systems that make them resilient.
Optimal Planting Timing
In Broward County, October through November offers ideal planting conditions. Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress, and the approaching dry season encourages deep root development as trees search for moisture. Avoid planting during the hottest months (June-August) when transplant stress is highest, or during the peak of hurricane season.
Site Preparation for South Florida Soils
Broward County’s sandy soils drain quickly but lack organic matter and nutrients. Dig a planting hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper—planting too deep is a common mistake that leads to tree failure. Rough up the sides of the planting hole to prevent root circling. Don’t amend the backfill soil; native trees establish better when they immediately encounter the native soil they’ll grow in long-term.
First-Year Irrigation Protocols
Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month, then gradually reduce frequency while increasing volume to encourage deep rooting. By month three, most native trees can transition to once-weekly watering. By month six, reduce to every 10-14 days. After one year, most native species require no supplemental irrigation except during extreme drought.
Mulching Best Practices
Apply 2-4 inches of mulch in a 3-4 foot diameter circle around the tree, keeping mulch 3-6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Use pine bark, eucalyptus, or melaleuca mulch rather than cypress (to protect native cypress forests). Replenish mulch as it decomposes to maintain proper depth. Proper mulching reduces competition from turf, moderates soil temperature, and retains moisture during establishment.
Incorporating Natives into Existing Landscapes
You don’t need to remove your entire landscape to enjoy the benefits of native trees. Strategic incorporation allows gradual transition while maintaining your property’s appearance.
Gradual Replacement Strategies
As existing exotic trees reach the end of their lifespan, require removal due to disease, or suffer storm damage, replace them with appropriate native species. This approach spreads costs over time and allows you to learn about native tree care gradually. Focus first on replacing the most problematic exotic species—those requiring frequent maintenance, showing poor storm performance, or suffering from recurring pest issues.
Companion Planting with Conventional Species
Many native trees coexist well with conventional landscape plants. Live oaks create dappled shade suitable for azaleas, camellias, and other shade-loving ornamentals. Bald cypress can anchor water features surrounded by conventional aquatic plants. The key is ensuring irrigation and fertilization for conventional plants doesn’t create overly lush conditions that make native trees susceptible to storm damage.
Design Principles for Showcasing Natives
Use native trees as focal points or specimens rather than hiding them in mixed plantings. The distinctive peeling bark of gumbo limbo deserves a prominent location where it can be appreciated. Place live oaks where their massive canopies can develop fully. Position bald cypress near water features to showcase their unique character. Lighting native trees at night creates dramatic effects that highlight their distinctive forms.
If you’re planning a landscape transition to native species or need guidance on which trees work best for your specific property conditions, our team at Discount Tree Service can provide expert recommendations based on decades of experience with Broward County landscapes.
Seasonal Maintenance Calendar for Native Trees
While native trees require minimal maintenance compared to exotic species, following this seasonal calendar ensures optimal health and appearance:
January – February:
- Inspect for storm damage from winter cold fronts
- Remove any dead wood or damaged branches
- This is the ideal time for structural pruning of most species
March – April:
- Monitor new growth emergence
- Apply mulch if needed to prepare for dry season
- Inspect for unusual pest activity (rare but possible)
May:
- Begin hurricane preparation—remove any weak or damaged branches
- Ensure mulch is adequate for upcoming rainy season
- Check trees for stability and root issues
June – August:
- Monitor newly planted trees during rainy season
- Watch for signs of overwatering in established trees
- Continue hurricane preparation tasks
September – October:
- Complete hurricane preparation before peak season
- Inspect trees after any storm events
- October is ideal for planting new native trees
November – December:
- Continue planting season for new trees
- Reduce irrigation as temperatures cool
- Plan next year’s landscape additions
When to Call Professional Tree Care Experts
While native trees are low-maintenance, certain situations call for professional expertise. Contact our tree care specialists if you notice:
- Significant branch dieback or thinning canopy
- Leaning trees or exposed roots indicating stability issues
- Storm damage requiring assessment
- Large dead branches in the canopy (especially over structures)
- Uncertainty about which native species suit your property
- Need for structural pruning on young trees to develop proper form
With over 25 years of experience caring for South Florida’s urban forest, we understand the unique characteristics and requirements of native tree species. Our certified arborists can assess your property, recommend appropriate native species for your specific conditions, and provide the expert care that keeps your trees healthy and beautiful for generations.
The Bottom Line on Native Trees
Choosing native trees for your Broward County landscape isn’t just an environmentally conscious decision—it’s a practical choice that reduces long-term maintenance costs, increases property resilience during hurricanes, and creates a landscape that works with South Florida’s climate rather than against it.
The native species outlined in this guide have proven themselves through centuries of adaptation to our unique conditions. Whether you’re drawn to the majestic presence of live oak, the distinctive character of gumbo limbo, the versatility of pigeon plum, or the wetland tolerance of bald cypress, there’s a native tree perfectly suited to your property’s specific needs.
By understanding each species’ characteristics, growth requirements, and ideal uses, you can make informed decisions that create a landscape requiring less water, fewer chemicals, minimal maintenance, and providing exceptional hurricane performance. The investment in proper species selection and establishment care pays dividends for decades through reduced maintenance costs and increased property value.
Ready to Enhance Your Landscape with Native Trees?
Whether you’re planning a new native tree planting, need expert advice on species selection for your specific property, or require professional care for your existing trees, Discount Tree Service is here to help. Our team has worked with every native tree species in Broward County and can provide the guidance you need to create a beautiful, resilient landscape.
We serve homeowners throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and all of Broward County with comprehensive tree care services tailored to South Florida’s unique conditions.
Call us today at (954) 289-2150 to discuss your native tree questions or schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to create a landscape that thrives through hurricane season and beyond.
