Standard: levels of preference (for example, recommended, highly-recommended) are based upon species suitability as an urban tree or palm. With the exception of exotic species, all other trees are encouraged for forest habitats.

Abbreviation: OHU (Overhead Utilities)

Standards for grow space (distance from sidewalks and curbs)
Small 4'-8'
Medium 8'-12'
Large Greater than 12'

Deciduous trees: vary greatly in the amount of time they are without leaves. Some species are bare for only a few weeks, some for several months. Evergreen species are foliated year-round.

Growth rate: growth may vary greatly from one individual to another, depending on soil and other factors.
Slow = two feet or less/year
Moderate = four feet/year
Rapid = >six feet/year

Height and Width: street trees will generally grow within the lower range. The higher ranges are maximums for trees growing under optimal conditions.

Planting Space: the ratings represent the minimum unpaved space required for reasonably good growth of that particular species.
Small = 5’x5’ to 6’x20’
Medium = 6’x20’ to 12’x20’
Large = 12’x20’ or greater.

Cold hardiness: the hardiness ratings are for Sarasota County. Hardy trees will not suffer significant cold damage anywhere in the country even in a freeze. Semi-hardy trees may suffer some damage, but mature specimens should recover fairly quickly. Tender trees may be injured by frost and will be seriously damaged and perhaps killed in a severe freeze.

Sarasota County is best suited for tree specimens from Hardiness Zones 9A and 9B.

• Lower number Hardiness Zones occur north of the county, hosting trees that are not suited to a subtropical climate.
• Hardiness Zone numbers above 9A occur in south Florida and many of the trees endemic to that region are susceptible to the chills and occasional freezes that occur here.
• The tension zones of climate and habitat do, fluctuate over Sarasota, so that trees native to areas north and south of us commonly migrate here.