City of Gainesville Arbor Day 2024

Thank you for your participation in our Arbor Day activity! Your enthusiasm and dedication to planting trees and caring for our environment made the event a success. Together, we’re helping to create a greener, healthier community for everyone to enjoy.

We appreciate your efforts and look forward to future opportunities to work together!

"American Mulberry"

The American mulberry, or Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), is a native North American tree known for its sweet, dark-purple fruits that resemble blackberries. It typically grows 30-50 feet tall with broad, heart-shaped leaves. The fruit is enjoyed by both humans and wildlife, and the tree thrives in a variety of climates and soils.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Full sun; tolerates a variety of soils.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Time: Plant in spring or early fall.
Spacing: 15-25 feet between trees.
Watering: Water regularly during the first year.
Mulch: Apply mulch to retain moisture.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead branches.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.

Mulberries are hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and provide delicious fruit with minimal maintenance.

"Dwarf Cavendish Banana"

The Dwarf Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata) is a compact banana plant known for its ability to thrive in smaller spaces. It grows 6-10 feet tall, making it ideal for gardens and containers. The plant produces large green leaves and sweet, edible bananas. It prefers warm, tropical climates but can be grown indoors or in greenhouses in cooler regions.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Full sun; protected from strong winds.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter.
Time: Plant in spring or early summer.
Spacing: Space 8-10 feet apart or in large containers.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer: Use a high-potassium fertilizer every 1-2 months during growing season.
Mulch: Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Temperature: Prefers temperatures of 65-90°F; protect from frost.

With proper care, Dwarf Cavendish bananas will bear fruit within 9-15 months.

"Eagleston Holly"

Eagleston Holly is an evergreen tree or shrub, known for its dense foliage and attractive red berries, which provide year-round visual interest. Its dark green, spiny leaves and pyramidal shape make it a popular choice for privacy screens, hedges, or standalone ornamental trees. Eagleston Holly is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and is resistant to pests and diseases. It typically grows 15-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Eagleston Holly can tolerate a range of soils but does best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets.
Watering: Water deeply after planting, and continue to water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Spacing: For hedges, space plants 5-6 feet apart; otherwise, space them 10-15 feet apart for standalone planting.
Maintenance: Prune annually in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Eagleston Holly is relatively low-maintenance and doesn't require much fertilization.

This versatile plant is ideal for adding structure to landscapes, providing year-round interest.

"Yaupon Holly"

Yaupon Holly is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree known for its dense, small, oval leaves and bright red berries, which attract birds. It can be grown as a hedge, screen, or ornamental plant and is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions. It typically grows 10-20 feet tall and 6-12 feet wide. Yaupon Holly is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate both, though more sun encourages more berries.
Soil: Yaupon Holly thrives in well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball height.
- Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Watering: Water deeply after planting. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Yaupon Holly is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, but avoid piling it against the trunk to prevent moisture-related issues.
Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart if planting as a hedge, or 10-15 feet apart for individual plantings.
Maintenance: Yaupon Holly is easy to maintain with little pruning required. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape as needed. It rarely requires fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.

This tough, adaptable plant is perfect for adding structure and wildlife-friendly features to gardens and landscapes.

"Florida Persimmon"

The Florida Persimmon, also known as American Persimmon, is a native deciduous tree valued for its small, sweet, and edible orange fruit that ripens in the fall. It has dark green, leathery leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and its bark develops a blocky, alligator-skin appearance as it ages. Growing up to 30-60 feet tall, Florida Persimmon is well-suited for wildlife gardens, edible landscapes, and naturalized settings. It is drought-tolerant once established and provides food for birds and other wildlife.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes better fruit production.
Soil: Florida Persimmon is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils but tolerates poor or dry soils as well.
Planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Watering: Water deeply after planting and maintain regular watering during the first year to help the tree establish. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant and only needs supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot and pest problems.
Spacing: If planting multiple trees, space them 20-30 feet apart to allow for full growth.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter to remove dead or diseased branches and improve shape. Florida Persimmon trees are generally low-maintenance and do not require heavy fertilization, though a balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage growth.

This hardy tree not only provides ornamental beauty but also yields delicious fruit and supports local wildlife.

"Sawtooth Oak"

The Sawtooth Oak is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its unique saw-like, serrated leaves and broad, spreading canopy. Native to Asia but widely planted in the U.S., it is valued for its adaptability and the acorns it produces, which serve as a food source for wildlife. The tree typically grows 40-60 feet tall with a similar spread. It is often used in landscapes for shade, wildlife habitats, and reforestation efforts. In autumn, its leaves turn a golden-yellow color before falling.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Select a site with full sun exposure. Sawtooth Oak prefers full sun for optimal growth and acorn production.
Soil: The tree thrives in well-drained, loamy soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole with the top of the root ball even with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and continue watering regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, Sawtooth Oak is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree's base, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
Spacing: If planting multiple trees, space them at least 30-40 feet apart to allow room for the wide canopy.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain shape. Fertilization is rarely needed, but a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring if desired.

Sawtooth Oak is a durable, wildlife-friendly tree that provides excellent shade and adds beauty to any landscape.

"Flatwood Plum"

Flatwood Plum is a small, deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It typically grows 12-20 feet tall, making it ideal for smaller landscapes or natural settings. The tree is admired for its fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by small, dark purple plums that ripen in late summer. These plums attract wildlife, especially birds. Flatwood Plum is often used as an ornamental tree for its seasonal beauty, though the fruit is also edible.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes better flowering and fruit production.
Soil: Flatwood Plum prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to avoid moisture-related issues.
Spacing: Space trees 15-20 feet apart to allow room for full growth.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches. Flatwood Plum is low-maintenance but may benefit from light fertilization in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

This tree is ideal for adding seasonal interest and attracting wildlife, making it a great choice for native and wildlife-friendly gardens.

"Figs Celeste"

The Celeste Fig, also known as the "Sugar Fig," is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub that produces sweet, medium-sized figs with purplish-brown skin and pink flesh. This variety is popular for its rich flavor, excellent for fresh eating, drying, or preserves. The tree typically grows 10-15 feet tall and wide, with attractive, large, lobed leaves. Celeste Fig is cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, and resistant to splitting, making it a reliable and easy-to-grow choice for home gardens.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun for the best fruit production. Figs need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Celeste Figs prefer well-drained, loamy soil but can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. During the first growing season, water regularly to establish strong roots. Once established, figs are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering, especially in dry periods.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture-related issues.
Spacing: Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow room for their spread.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak branches and to maintain shape. Celeste Figs rarely require fertilization, but if growth is slow, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring.

This variety is excellent for small gardens and is easy to care for, providing abundant, delicious fruit during the summer months.

"Chestnut Oak"

The Chestnut Oak is a large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its broad, rounded crown and distinctive, deeply lobed leaves that resemble those of the chestnut tree. It can grow 60-80 feet tall and 40-60 feet wide, making it an impressive shade tree. The tree produces acorns that are a vital food source for wildlife, including squirrels and birds. Chestnut Oak is valued for its strong wood, often used in construction and furniture making. It is adaptable to various soil types and can thrive in both dry and wet conditions.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes healthy growth and acorn production.
Soil: Chestnut Oak prefers well-drained, sandy to loamy soils but can tolerate clay soils. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Once established, Chestnut Oak is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.
Spacing: If planting multiple trees, space them 40-50 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape. Chestnut Oaks generally require little maintenance and do not need heavy fertilization, though a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring if needed.

This robust tree is an excellent choice for parks, large gardens, and naturalized areas, providing shade, beauty, and habitat for wildlife.

"Coontie Palm"

The Coontie Palm, also known as the Florida Arrowroot, is a native cycad found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida. It features glossy, dark green, fern-like leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long and has a compact, bushy appearance. Coontie Palm is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in various soil types, making it an excellent choice for landscapes, gardens, and as ground cover. Its attractive foliage and unique growth habit provide visual interest, and it is an important food source for the Atala butterfly larvae.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Coontie Palm prefers bright, filtered sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
Soil: This palm thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels but is adaptable to various soil types.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the Coontie in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment period (the first few months) but avoid overwatering. Once established, Coontie Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Spacing: If planting multiple Coontie Palms, space them 2-3 feet apart to allow for their growth.
Maintenance: Coontie Palm is low-maintenance and typically does not require pruning. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed. Fertilization is generally not required, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring if desired.

This attractive and hardy plant adds texture and interest to gardens while providing habitat for native wildlife.

"Red Florida Native Milkweed"

Red Florida Native Milkweed, also known as Tropical Milkweed, is a perennial flowering plant native to Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. It is recognized for its vibrant clusters of orange and red flowers that attract butterflies, particularly the monarch butterfly, as it serves as a crucial host plant for their larvae. This milkweed typically grows 3-4 feet tall and thrives in sunny environments, making it an excellent choice for butterfly gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun, as Red Florida Native Milkweed thrives in bright, sunny conditions with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. This milkweed is tolerant of various soil types but thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is about twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the original soil, gently pressing it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Once established, Red Florida Native Milkweed is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their growth and spreading habit.
Maintenance: Prune back dead stems and spent flowers in late fall or early spring to promote new growth. Red Florida Native Milkweed may benefit from light fertilization in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, although it typically does well in less fertile soils.

This vibrant plant not only adds color to your garden but also supports vital pollinators, making it a great addition to any landscape focused on wildlife conservation.

"Dwarf Pomegranate"

The Dwarf Pomegranate is a compact, ornamental shrub known for its vibrant flowers and small, sweet fruit. Typically growing 3-4 feet tall, it is ideal for container gardening, small gardens, or as a decorative border plant. The plant produces bright orange-red flowers in the summer, which attract pollinators, followed by small pomegranates that can be enjoyed fresh or used in cooking. Dwarf Pomegranate is drought-tolerant and can thrive in various soil types, making it a popular choice for Mediterranean-style gardens.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun, as Dwarf Pomegranate thrives in bright light and requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil: It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. While it can tolerate poor soil conditions, it thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Once established, Dwarf Pomegranate is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.
Spacing: If planting multiple Dwarf Pomegranates, space them 3-5 feet apart to allow for their spreading habit.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape. This plant does not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring for enhanced growth.

Dwarf Pomegranate is not only a beautiful addition to gardens but also offers the added benefit of edible fruit, making it a versatile and attractive choice for any landscape.

"Wonderful Pomegranate"

The Wonderful Pomegranate is one of the most popular and widely cultivated varieties of pomegranate, known for its large, juicy, and flavorful fruit. This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow 12-20 feet tall, producing vibrant red flowers in summer that attract pollinators. The fruit matures in late summer to fall, with a tough outer skin and sweet, tangy seeds inside. Wonderful Pomegranate is prized not only for its delicious fruit but also for its ornamental value, making it a beautiful addition to gardens and landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun, as Wonderful Pomegranate thrives in bright sunlight and requires at least 6-8 hours of sun daily for optimal fruit production.
Soil: This variety prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Once established, Wonderful Pomegranate is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the trunk to prevent rot.
Spacing: If planting multiple Wonderful Pomegranates, space them 10-15 feet apart to accommodate their mature size and spreading habit.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape. Fertilization is generally not necessary, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring if desired for enhanced growth and fruit production.

Wonderful Pomegranate is not only a productive fruiting tree but also adds beauty to gardens with its stunning flowers and lush foliage, making it a fantastic choice for both ornamental and edible landscapes.

"Sugarberry"

The Sugarberry is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It typically grows 30-50 feet tall with a rounded crown and has smooth, gray bark that becomes furrowed with age. The tree produces small, sweet, edible berries that are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. Sugarberry is valued for its adaptability to a variety of soil types and its tolerance to wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for flood-prone areas or moist woodlands. The tree also offers beautiful fall color, with leaves turning yellow to orange.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Sugarberry thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Soil: This tree prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is tolerant of both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently pressing it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Sugarberry is fairly drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Spacing: If planting multiple Sugarberry trees, space them 20-30 feet apart to allow for their mature size and canopy spread.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape. Sugarberry generally requires little maintenance and does not need heavy fertilization.

This resilient tree is an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, providing food and habitat for birds while also enhancing the landscape with its attractive form and seasonal interest.

"Mayhaw"

The Mayhaw is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to the southeastern United States. Typically growing 15-30 feet tall, it is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in early spring, which attract pollinators. The tree produces small, tart red or yellow fruits in late spring to early summer, commonly used to make jellies, jams, and wine. Mayhaw trees thrive in wetland areas but can adapt to various soil types. They are often planted in home gardens for their ornamental value and fruit production.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. While Mayhaw can tolerate some shade, it performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: Mayhaw prefers well-drained, moist soils, particularly those that are rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Planting:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Mayhaw prefers moist conditions but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the trunk to prevent rot.
Spacing: If planting multiple Mayhaw trees, space them 15-20 feet apart to accommodate their mature size.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Mayhaw trees typically do not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring for enhanced growth.

This charming tree adds beauty to landscapes while producing delicious fruits that can be used in various culinary applications, making it a valuable addition to any garden.