On Friday, January 18 from 8:30 until noon (or until supplies are gone), Master Gardeners will be giving away tree seedlings and planting instructions at various libraries around the county, including Bartram Trail. Each "customer" may select up to five (5) tree seedlings. The selections of Florida-Friendly species this year are:
This year our tree selection includes 250 each of: Chickasaw plum, American Hornbeam, Southern Magnolia, Shumard oak and pecan.
Chicasaw plum - is a large bush small tree w/ a cloud of flowers in the spring. The small "plums" are a wildlife favorite. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st504 View image.
American Hornbeam - tall slow-growing deciduous shade tree that provides small nuts for wildlife and nice color in the fall http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st428 View image.
Southern Magnolia - very large evergreen tree having a general pyramid shape but individual form and tree growth rate are quite variable. Plant in place where falling leaves will not create a litter problem. Provide adequate space for growth. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st371 View image.
Shumard Oak - Very large and fast growing deciduous tree that generally provides good foliage color in the fall. Small acorns are enjoyed by wildlife. Plant where leaves and nuts will not be a litter problem and provide adequate space for growth. Tree has thorns. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st561 View image.
Pecan - Very tall deciduous shade tree with wide spread and pleasant fall foliage. Tree limbs are susceptible to breakage; pruning helps somewhat. Trees also can succumb to pests and diseases. This is not a low-maintenance tree; plan on investing time to ensure it stays healthy and looks good. Since the male and female parts on a tree may not mature at the same time, nut production is problematic unless other pecan cultivars are planted to increase pollination. The nuts that are produced are savored by wildlife. Plant where leaves and nuts will not be a litter problem and provide adequate space for growth. Roots are shallow and may protrude from the ground. Tree has thorns. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st122 View image.