Canopy Trees

Bald cypress:

The Bald Cypress is a classic tree found in southern swamps. In its native habitat it displays a peculiar habit of raising conical “knees” from its roots. Oddly, the function of these roots remains a mystery though some believe that it is a way to help roots get oxygen. The Bald Cypress is a life-long pyramidal conifer meaning it is cone-bearing. The tree’s height can and grows 35-120 feet tall. Furthermore, it is low maintenance and known to be able to tolerate flooded conditions for extended periods of time.

Laurel Oak:

The Laurel Oak is a large, fast growing shade tree that is native to southeastern Florida. It is known for its dense, oval canopy and can be tolerant of wet sites. The Laurel Oak tree can reach heights of 60 feet or more and have about a 35-45 foot spread. The life span of the Laurel Oak is 50-70 years. At the age of 50 years, they begin to hollow out.

Longleaf Pine:

The Longleaf Pine tree is an evergreen tree that grows to a height of 60-80 feet and has a spread of about 30-40 feet. Furthermore, the tree provides food and cover for wildlife. Although they take 100 to 150 years to become fully grown, they have a wide spreading lateral root system with several deep “sinker” roots. Longleaf Pines are disease-resistant, pest-resistant, and fire-resistant.

Pond Cypress:

Pond Cypress trees grow to about 50-60 feet tall and have a spread of 10-15 feet. Some key characteristics of pond cypress trees include thick, fire-resistant bark, “knees,” and buttressed trunks. Pond cypress trees are found throughout the coastal states of the southeast. They tend to be near acidic water and can live extraordinarily long.

Slash Pine:

The Slash Pine tree is incredibly unique because it can serve as a natural bird sanctuary. When full grown, it can reach 60-80 feet. The Slash Pine is unusually strong and fast-growing, but has a short lifespan of 200 years compared to other pine tree varieties. The Slash Pine is predominantly found in Florida and Georgia and grows best in warm, humid areas. Though these trees are naturally found in wet flatwoods, shallow pond edges, or swampy areas, they can grow in sandy soils that are poor in nutrients.

Sweetgum: 

The Sweetgum tree is named after tree sap, sometimes referred to as “liquid amber.” The Sweetgum tree is native to warmer areas of eastern North America and the tropical regions of Mexico and Central America. Some key characteristics of the Sweetgum tree are its five-pointed star leaves and its hard spiky fruit. This tree falls into the category of deciduous trees.

Live Oak: 

The live oak tree is a tree native to sandy and coastal plains. Many old and large specimens of these trees are found in the Deep South region of the United States. When fully grown, it reaches heights of 40-80 feet. This tree is not only an evergreen tree but also a magnificent shade tree with a broad spreading canopy. In fact, its full spread has a diameter of 60-120 ft. To support this broad canopy, its trunk is 6 feet in diameter. This tree is long lived and in the spring, it bears yellow-green flowers.

Florida Elm:

The Florida Elm tree is a deciduous tree native to North America. It produces inconspicuous green flowers, followed by small, round, green fruit that attracts birds. However, it must be at least 15 years old before it will bear seeds. When fully grown, the Florida Elm can reach a height of 60-80 feet, with a spread of 50-60 feet. Additionally, this tree is susceptible to many pests such as bark beetles, elm borers, gypsy moths, etc.

Sycamore:

The Sycamore tree is a deciduous, wide-canopy tree. When fully mature, it can reach a height of 75-100 feet, as well as a spread of 75-100 feet. This tree is indigenous to eastern North America, and found in habitats such as low, moist woods, floodplains, and rich bottomlands. In the spring, the Sycamore produces modest, red flowers