| This past winter was below average in terms of temperatures here in Southwest Florida. We experienced a couple of hard freezes in January and February. Would like your recommendation on trees that are fast growers but would provide a nice canopy for tropical fruit trees. By these trees providing cover, would decrease risk of frost. |
| Some of the fastest growing shade trees for your region include Acer rubrum (Red maple), Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree), Bursera simaruba (Gumbo limbo), Canaga odorata (Ylang-ylang), Cassia fistula (Golden shower), Cassia javanica (Pink cassia), Chorisia speciosa (Silk floss tree), Cochlospermum vitifolium (Buttercup tree), Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda), Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape myrtle), Pongamia pinnata (Pongam), Quercus laurifolia (Laurel oak), and Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree). Hope one of these suggestions is just right for your landscape. |
