Best Landscape Trees for Southern Yards: Eagleston Holly, Shumard Oak, Nuttall Oak & Magnolias
If you’re planning a landscape project in the Southeastern U.S., especially in Florida, choosing the right trees is crucial for long-term beauty, resilience, and property value. At Flowing Well Tree Farm, we specialize in native and climate-adapted trees that thrive in the heat, humidity, and occasional droughts of the South.
Here are four top performers we proudly grow and recommend: Eagleston Holly, Shumard Oak, Nuttall Oak, and Southern Magnolia.
Eagleston Holly — The Evergreen Champion
The Eagleston Holly is a favorite for privacy hedges and ornamental screens. This hybrid holly (a cross between Dahoon and East Palatka) features glossy evergreen leaves, bright red berries in fall and winter, and a dense pyramidal shape.
Why it’s great for Southern landscapes:
• Low-maintenance: Naturally tidy shape, minimal pruning
• Attracts wildlife: Berries draw songbirds and pollinators
• Excellent for hedging or standalone accent planting
• Cold hardy: Withstands Central and North Florida winters
Size at maturity: 20–30 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide
Best for: Driveway borders, privacy screens, entryway accents
Shumard Oak — The Shade Tree with Fall Color
Looking for fast-growing shade and autumn interest? The Shumard Oak is a standout. Native to the South, this red oak species is drought-tolerant once established and shows brilliant red leaves in fall.
Why landscapers and homeowners love it:
• Fast growth: Adds height and canopy quickly
• Adaptable: Tolerates poor soils, drought, and wind
• Beautiful branching structure for visual appeal year-round
Size at maturity: 50–70 ft tall, 40–50 ft wide
Best for: Front lawns, parks, large yard shade trees
Nuttall Oak — Tough, Fast, and Wildlife-Friendly
The Nuttall Oak is a lesser-known gem but one of the fastest-growing oaks you can plant. It thrives in wet or poorly drained soils—making it perfect for lower-lying Florida yards or storm-prone areas.
What makes it special:
• Super fast growth: Outpaces most other oaks
• Great for wildlife: Produces acorns loved by deer, squirrels, ducks
• Fall color: Red-orange tones in cooler months
Size at maturity: 60–80 ft tall, 40–60 ft wide
Best for: Floodplain areas, shade planting, wildlife corridors
Southern Magnolia — The Iconic Beauty
No list would be complete without the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Its large, fragrant white blooms and deep green glossy leaves make it one of the most admired trees in the South.
Why it’s a classic choice:
• Evergreen beauty: Year-round foliage
• Fragrant flowers: Huge white blooms in spring and summer
• Varieties for any space: We carry both full-size and compact cultivars
Size at maturity: 40–80 ft tall, 20–40 ft wide (depending on variety)
Best for: Front yards, focal points, elegant Southern charm
Which Tree Is Right for You?
All four trees thrive in zones 7–9, making them ideal for most parts of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and beyond. Whether you’re designing a shady backyard, framing your driveway, or planting for privacy, Flowing Well Tree Farm can help you choose and deliver the best trees for your needs.
Ready to Plant?
We grow healthy, 3-100gallon trees on-site and offer delivery & installation services throughout Central Florida and neighboring states.