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Residential

Recommended Trees – South Florida

Large trees need their space so that they do not interfere with power lines | Your safety is important | More information

The following trees would be suitable for planting adjacent to overhead power lines in South Florida:

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena)

Growth Rate: Slow
Maturity Height x Spread: 15-20’ x 20’
Foliage: Evergreen
This slow growing tree has striking orange blossoms in the spring. Whether multi-stemmed or with a single trunk, this tree works well as a specimen or patio tree

Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus ver. sericeus)

Growth Rate: Moderate
Maturity Height x Spread: 15-20’ x 20-30’
Foliage: Evergreen
Silver to blue-green foliage provides accent as a small tree of buffer. Multi-stemmed, tough tree adapts well to urban areas.

Spanish Stopper (Eugenia spp.)

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Maturity Height x Spread: 15-20’ x 15’
Foliage: Evergreen
Narrow canopy and the ability to grow in limited soil space makes this tree ideal for parking lot islands and small landscapes. Drought-tolerant once established.

Glaucous Cassia (Cassia surattensis)

Growth Rate: Moderate
Maturity Height x Spread: 15-20’ x 15-20’
Foliage: Evergreen
Beautiful yellow flowers on an outstanding small tree. Prune to maintain tree form. Ideal for small landscapes as an accent tree.

Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax spp.)

Growth Rate: Slow
Maturity Height x Spread: 6-15’ x 6’
Foliage: Evergreen
Excellent native palm for use near patio or adjacent to power line. Adaptable to many soil types and shade areas.

Large trees need their space so that they do not interfere with power lines

Here’s a list of some canopy trees often seen in South Florida. These large, canopy trees need their space. If you plant a canopy tree on your property please follow these guidelines:

Common Name

Height x Spread

Setback from Power Line

Tree Shape

Bald Cypress

30-45' x 30-50'

30'

Upright & narrow

Brazilian Beautyleaf

40-50' x 35-50'

30'

Spreading canopy

Green Buttonwood 30-40' x 20-30' 30' Spreading vase

Live Oak

60-80' x 60-120'

30'

Spreading canopy

Shumard Oak

60-80' x 40-50'

30'

Spreading canopy

Slash Pine

35-50' x 30-40'

30'

Upright & slightly spreading

Southern Magnolia

60-80' x 30-40'

30'

Upright & spreading

Southern Redcedar

30-40' x 20-30'

30'

Upright & spreading

Sweetbay Magnolia

40-50' x 15-25'

30'

Upright & narrow

Sweetgum

60-75' x 40-50'

30'

Upright & slightly spreading

Sycamore

75-90' x 60-70'

30'

Upright & spreading

Winged Elm

45-70' x 30-40'

30'

Upright & spreading

American Holly

35-50' x 15-25'

30'

Upright & slightly spreading

Pecan

70-100' x 50-60'

30'

Spreading canopy

Red Maple

60-70' x 40-40'

30'

Upright & spreading

Note: These setback guidelines may not be suitable around transmission equipment

Your safety is important

You should not attempt to trim any vegetation growing near or on any overhead power lines. Only specially-trained line clearing professionals should work around power lines.

For more information about working with qualified tree professionals, visit Tree Trimming Crews.

More information

See Recommended Trees – North Central Florida.

For more information and additional recommended trees, request the “Right Tree, Right Place” brochure by calling the number located at the bottom of your monthly statement.

See the USDA Hardiness Zones Map for more information about vegetation in the state of Florida.

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