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Golden Rain Tree
(Koelreuteria elegans)
The main drawbacks of this tree are poor
wind resistance and its production of weedy-invasive
seedlings. Could be used in urban centers where
seedlings could be better controlled. |
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Silk Oak
(Grevillea robusta)
It is not recommended for residential or urban use.
Taller specimens are often hit by lightning in
Florida. Tops often blow out of trees in high winds,
usually due to poor maintenance. Litter can be a
problem. |
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Indian Rosewood
(Dalbergia sissoo)
As an urban
tree, this is one of the worst for our area. It is
intolerant of wind and cold and develops with large
surface roots. These faults, combined with its
invasiveness capability, make this a tree to avoid. |
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Strangler Fig
(Ficus aurea)
Only native
ficus in southwest Florida. This plant should remain
in the woods as its size, fruit and cold tenderness
make it unsuitable for urban use in our area. |
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Jacaranda
(Jacaranda mimosifolia)
This tree
should be avoided for all but the largest planting
areas. The tree is not resistant to decay, prone to
root rot and is brittle in high winds. Often seen in
poor conditions because it is inappropriately placed
in the landscape and maintained poorly. |
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Southern Wax Myrtle
(Myrica cerifera)
The
Southern Wax Myrtle should be limited to wildlife
and reforestation projects |
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Laurel Oak
(Quercus laurifolia)
Susceptible to large branch and stem failures when
mature. Tree is prone to decay, which leads to a
useful urban life of only about 40 years, even with
proper maintenance. Droughty soils weaken the tree
and make it more prone to disease. A nice forest
tree. It should not be promoted for urban use. |
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Sycamore
(Platinus occidentalis)
Unproven in Sarasota and
too large for most home landscapes. Tree has
excellent crown structure but suffers from lack of
moisture and poor soils in our area (which leads to
disease problems and shortened lifespan).
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Norfolk Island Pine
(Araucaria heterophylla)
Norfolk Island pine is generally unsuitable
for urban use. It quickly overpowers most urban
sites with its height. They are prone to failure in
high winds, damaged easily by sub-freezing
temperatures, and are often hit by lightning. Unless
you have a large piece of property, avoid this tree.
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Tree of Gold
(Tabebuia caraiba)
The Tree of
Gold should be used sparingly as it is brittle,
prone to wind throw, and easily damaged in
sub-freezing temperatures. When located wisely, the
tree could make a nice addition to a yard or
landscape |
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Red Mulberry
(Morus rubra)
Spreading habit
and abundant fruits of female trees make this
unsuitable for use in urban areas. However, in
large, rural spaces it is an excellent wildlife
tree. |
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Water Oak
(Quercus nigra)
Although used as a street tree in many southern
cities, this tree’s moderate life span usually
forces its removal when it gets to its mature size,
even with intensive maintenance. The tree is prone
to decay and for this reason, it should be used only
for wildlife and reforestation projects. |
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Royal Poinciana
(Delonix regia)
Should be used
sparingly, as it will suffer severe damage from
cold. It is, one of the most spectacular trees in
flower and is tolerant of many soil conditions.
Locate far away from structures and pavement, as the
tree is suspect in high winds and develops large
surface roots. |
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Yellow Poinciana
(Peltophorum pterocarpusi)
A wonderful tree
to look at, but this tree is unsuitable for typical
urban areas. Without proper pruning, the Yellow
Poinciana will overpower most urban settings.
Surface roots, weak wood and high potential for wind
throw, avoid this tree in most landscapes. Uses
should be restricted to large, high-maintenance
landscapes. |
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