Florida Fruit Trees
January 24, 2020

January 24, 2020

Grow you own fruit!

Green mangoes hanging on a tree branch with green leaves.

There's a lot to be said for growing your own fruit. Beside the enjoyment of growing things, you also get the benefit of picking fruit at its peak. Commercial fruit has to be picked early so that it looks ripe on the shelf, but that sometimes means it will lack flavor and nutrition. So, with your own fruit trees you end up with potentially better fruit with a huge money savings. You may even find yourself eating more fruit, and that's one way to be more healthy overall.   There are a lot of fruits that thrive in the Mid-Florida area, with our warm climate and generous rains. Citrus fruits such as  Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Lemons are obvious, but let's not forget Avocado, Bananas, Figs, Guava, Jackfruit, Japanese Persimmons, Loquats, Lychee, Mangoes, Mulberries, Papayas, Peaches, and Tamarind which all grow well in Florida.   Many trees can take years of growth when starting from seed before producing fruit, but there are options for getting a harvest much sooner. You may choose to purchase a grafted tree that will produce fruit in the first year or buy mature trees that are already producing. Consider the schedule for mature fruit and you can plan a garden to produce nearly year round!   There are some general fruit tree planting guidelines:
  • Plant your fruit trees where they will receive at least six hours of sun each day during growing season.
  • Make sure the sun is not blocked by buildings, fences or other shade.
  • Plant at least three feet away from sidewalks & driveways and six feet from buildings, to prevent a conflict between the tree's roots and any structure.
  • Plant with ten to fifteen feet of space between fruit trees.
  Once you have decided the type of fruit you would like to grow and verified that there is enough sun and space, the next step is to choose varieties & rootstocks that are appropriate for your property. The idea is to choose varieties that are suitable for your climate to maximize your success.   Once planted, there will be some general maintenance required to get the best result. The details will depend on what kind of trees you have planted.
  • Watering will be most important.
  • Mulching will help to retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
  • Fertilizing with a fruit tree specific plant food is also recommended.
  • Seasonal activities will include insect, pest & disease control, as needed.
  • Most fruit trees will require pruning, even if only to remove dead or damaged wood. Pruning will differ with each type of tree to ensure the best results.
  Because each tree requires its own strategy for success, we strongly recommend contacting a professional, like the ones at here at Mid Florida Tree Service, to assist you in making the most out of each tree. Call us today at 813-986-2258.

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Trees add beauty, shade, and value to properties throughout Polk County. From Lakeland to Bartow to Mulberry, mature oaks, pines, and palms are a major part of the landscape. However, Florida’s climate creates unique challenges that can affect tree health if problems are not identified early. Understanding common tree issues in Polk County helps homeowners protect their investment and avoid costly removals. Storm Damage and Structural Weakness High winds and heavy rain are common throughout Polk County. Even if a tree survives a storm, hidden structural damage may remain. Common storm related issues include: Cracked or split trunks. Limbs with weak attachment points. Leaning trees due to root movement. Canopy imbalance after major limb loss. Internal decay caused by storm wounds. Early evaluation can determine whether corrective pruning can restore stability or if removal is necessary. Soil Compaction and Root Stress Many Polk County yards experience compacted soil due to foot traffic, construction, or heavy equipment. Compacted soil restricts oxygen flow to roots and limits water absorption. Signs of root stress include: Sparse canopy growth. Smaller than normal leaves. Premature leaf drop. Slow overall growth. Increased susceptibility to pests and disease. Relieving soil compaction and improving root conditions often restores tree vitality. Pest and Disease Issues Florida’s warm climate supports a wide range of pests and fungal diseases. Oaks, pines, and palms are especially vulnerable if already stressed. Common problems in Polk County include: Fungal growth at the base of trees. Leaf discoloration or spotting. Bark separation or oozing sap. Palm nutrient deficiencies. Insect activity in weakened wood. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate symptoms carefully before recommending treatment or removal. Improper Pruning Improper trimming can cause long term structural problems. Over pruning, topping, or removing healthy limbs weakens the tree and increases storm risk. We frequently see: Excessive canopy thinning. Large flush cuts that do not heal properly. Unbalanced canopy weight. Stress from removing too many green fronds on palms. Corrective pruning helps restore structure and reduce future risk. Root Damage From Construction Driveways, patios, and landscaping projects can damage roots without obvious signs at first. In Polk County neighborhoods with mature trees, root disturbance is a common cause of decline. Warning signs may include: Gradual thinning of the canopy. Increased branch drop. Soil settling near the base of the tree. Delayed decline months after construction. Professional evaluation helps determine whether damage can be managed. Proactive Tree Care in Polk County Most serious tree problems begin with subtle warning signs. Regular inspections and routine maintenance reduce the likelihood of emergency removals and storm failures. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate trees carefully and recommend practical solutions that protect your property and landscape. If you are concerned about a tree in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, or anywhere in Polk County, we are ready to help. Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a professional tree evaluation in Polk County.
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