As the temperatures become more pleasant in Florida, you can roll up your sleeves and get to work on outdoor projects, whether you're a homeowner or a landscaper.

But fall isn't just about the comfortable weather; it's also the perfect time to plant, improve your curb appeal, ward off pests, make the most of your outdoor living area, and get your landscape ready for its best season.

In this article, we'll dive into why fall is the best time to give your Florida landscape a makeover, with reasons that resonate with anyone looking to spruce up their outdoor space.

1. Optimal Planting Conditions:
   Fall is a prime season for planting in Florida. The cooler weather allows new plants to establish their roots without the stress of summer's extreme heat or spring's dry conditions.
   
   This is particularly advantageous for trees, shrubs, and perennials, giving them a better chance to thrive.
   
   Fall provides an extended growing season for many plants with the seasons warmer days and cooler nights, many plants can continue to grow and establish their root systems, making them more resilient for the coming year.
    
2. Reduced Pest Activity:
   Many common North Florida lawn pests are less active in the fall. Many common landscape pests in Florida, such as chinch bugs, aphids, mole crickets, and scale are less active during the fall season.
   
   This reduced pest pressure minimizes the risk of damage to new plants and allows them to establish and grow more effectively when they're the most susceptible - freshly planted.
   
   It also makes care of the landscaping projects easier, providing a more conducive environment for healthy plant growth.
   
   Plants need less water in the fall due to cooler temperatures and have more energy to spend in establishing roots.
    
3. Spending More Time Outdoors
   Many people in Florida use their outdoor spaces for entertaining and relaxation with firepits, patios, and other outdoor living spaces. By completing hardscape projects in the fall, you'll be ready to enjoy your revamped outdoor areas during the pleasant winter months when outdoor gatherings and seasonal get-togethers are popular
    
4. Greener Grass
   Fall is an optimal time for sod installation in Florida due to its cooler temperatures, reduced heat stress, extended growing season, and lower watering requirements, making it easier for the sod to establish strong root systems.
   
   The season also offers an ideal window for pest prevention - as few sod-damaging insects are active after late summer when Webworms thrive.
    
5. Mild Weather
   The scorching summer heat and high humidity can make outdoor work uncomfortable and even unsafe. In the fall, the milder temperatures and lower humidity levels provide a more pleasant environment for both landscapers and homeowners, allowing them to work more efficiently and comfortably.
   
   It is both optimal conditions for the grass and for those installing and maintaining it!

Whether you're a seasoned pro at landscaping or a homeowner wanting to spruce up your outdoor area, Florida's fall season gives you the perfect opportunity. As the weather goes from sweltering to simply wonderful, it's like nature's way of saying, "Let's get some outdoor projects done." 

The mild weather and fewer pests just make the whole process smoother and way more enjoyable. You'll be on your way to a vibrant, colorful outdoor space that's perfect for gatherings during the winter months. Think of fall as your blank canvas, and Florida's gentle autumn breeze as your paintbrush – it's your chance to make your outdoor area truly shine.

Read More Fall Landscaping Tips on our Blog:

• 5 Quick Tips for Gainesville Lawn Success in Fall
• 5 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season for Landscaping in Florida
• 8 Gainesville Landscape Plants that Offer Amazing Fall Color

For help Upgrading Your Landscape look no further! Contact us now at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page, we would love to help and show you why we're a top-ranked Landscape Company in Nocatee & North Central Florida!

Having a custom landscape design and a skilled lawn care team for your High Springs, FL Area property can give you complete peace of mind and free up your time. Imagine the ease with which you can entertain, feed your guests, and invite them for a swim when the outdoor spaces look pristine! Your lawn and landscape can be the envy of the neighborhood when it has exceptional care. 

Related: Experience the Difference With Professional Lawn Care Services in the Nocatee and St. Augustine, FL Areas

Add a Pergola or Pavilion to the Pool 

If your backyard landscape design doesn’t include a shade feature, this can be a functional and beautiful addition to the pool area. A pavilion or pergola can make your pool comfortable for all your guests, especially the ones who are not swimming, with the option to relax in the shade.

These two shade features can be customized in ways that suit your style and preferences. A pergola offers dappled shade but it can be constructed with electric louvers you can close or open according to the need for shade. Pergolas are most often built of wood that blends with the surrounding natural elements for a seamless appeal. 

A pavilion has a full roof that emphasizes comfort and coolness when you add ceiling fans to the beams. It can be important in the High Springs climate to have a place to cool off and these shade structures give you a unique structure that can become a focal feature of the landscape. 

Fresh Plantings 

Over time, plants and shrubs can lose their appeal and stop contributing textural interest, vibrant colors, and pleasing appearance to your landscape. It can be time for fresh shrubs when you want more privacy from neighbors so you might want to add a hedge. Planting them in a row creates a clear definition of the landscape that increases privacy while adding vibrant green leaves. 

Trees in the landscape can add visual height and beauty but they also provide essential shade. Shady spots can let you add flowers and plants that thrive in the shade to expand the planting options. 

Refreshed Lawns 

Having a spotty lawn can detract from the overall landscape beauty so you might consider replacing the existing grass with sod for a uniform lawn. Artificial grass can be perfect for heavily trafficked areas where it proves difficult to cultivate a healthy stand of grass. An added benefit can be that sod installation can remedy erosion and drainage problems that have plagued your yard. 

A Lawn Care Team 

An attentive lawn care team can be what makes your outdoor areas truly stand out from the rest. While they arrive weekly to mow and trim the lawn for a clean, crisp appearance, the team can also inspect the irrigation for broken parts that are not delivering the water to your landscape and lawn areas. 

They treat weeds that can choke out the grass and make applications for pests. Every team member has training in horticulture to protect the landscape plants and boost the curb appeal with their good health. 

A vibrant landscape can transform your property into the oasis you desire, the respite you need, and the home you love. Entrusting the landscape design and lawn care to a company that cares protects your investment. 

Related: Enjoy Stress-Free Landscaping When You Hire a "Lawn Service Near Me" in the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Areas

When your High Springs, FL Area landscape could use some sprucing up, you need an expert to come in and recommend the changes that will transform your outdoor spaces. From the front yard to the back, your landscape can be eye-catching while the lawn can look healthy and green. See how the perfect partnership can make your home and landscape stand out. 

Related: Find a Lawn Service Near Me That Provides the Services Needed for a Better Landscape in the St. Augustine, FL Area

Front Yard Landscape Design 

The front yard landscape plan can be what people notice first about your property but what if the shrubs are overgrown and the grass is spotty?  An expert landscape design company can change that with a refresh of sod for the lawn and a new entry at the driveway that beckons guests to your home. 

One of the ways a landscape design company can upgrade the property entry is with a low, curving stone retaining wall. You can opt to have this wall on one or both sides of the driveway but the curved shape and stacked stone can lend a welcoming feel to your front yard. 

Along with the stone wall, they can design a curated selection of native plants that add green leaves and wispy plants to the entry. With light-toned river stones as sustainable mulch to protect the plants’ roots, this can invite friends and family to come inside. 

Backyard Landscape Design 

If your patio is small and doesn’t allow you to entertain a larger group of people, a landscape designer can change that. With durable, colorfast patio pavers set in a unique laying pattern, a new patio can be where you enjoy evening drinks with neighbors and coffee in the morning. 

Having a waterfall that spills into a pond nearby can bring the soothing sounds of spilling water to your backyard area. Accented by a hand-planted butterfly garden and other plantings that draw the birds and other wildlife to your pond area, you can delight daily in the birds, butterflies, and other creatures that come to enjoy the water and nectar of the blooms. 

A custom stepping stone walkway can connect the front yard to the back for easy access both ways. 

Expert Lawn Care 

Whether you want to have sod placed in your landscape to replace the grass that won’t grow or just need a reputable lawn care team to handle the lawn care tasks, who better to do the job than the company that created your new outdoor spaces? 

Their lawn care team can arrive weekly for comprehensive lawn care maintenance. They can mow the grass to the ideal height to protect the roots of the grass, trim the hardscape edges and remove all the grass clippings for a fresh appearance and maximum curb appeal. 

You can opt for pest and weed control which are applications timed to protect your lawn and landscape from damage. Their professional products get the job done efficiently. 

They can help you with erosion issues and solve drainage problems with the right type of landscape drain. 

Landscape Lighting 

The final piece to the landscape design refresh can be to have landscape lighting installed so you can stay outside as long as you wish. Not only will your property be noticeable after dark but your guests can come and go safely with more visibility. 

Related: A Landscape Design Will Stay Refreshed With Proper Lawn Care in the St. Augustine, FL Areas

Lawn services can be a dime a dozen and it can be hard to find one that provides superior lawn services for your St. Augustine, FL Area landscape. Whether you need a full-service landscape management program or a seasonal planting plan, the investment in your lawn and landscape is significant and you want great results. Looking for these characteristics can help as you search for a lawn service near me.

Related: The Perfect Partnership: Combine Expert Landscape Design With Lawn Service Near Me in the High Springs, FL Area

A Team That Makes the Difference 

In a lawn service, it’s the people who make the difference. When you find a lawn and landscape company with staff and lawn teams who deliver superior service at each visit (and you can tell from the reviews!), this is a company that delivers on its promises. 

Quality: At each visit, the lawn team trims the shrubs to eliminate stray growths that can make your landscape look unkempt. They remove all the trimmings, clippings, and grass pieces to leave the landscape crisp and clean. 

Consistency: Each lawn service leaves your grass cut to just the right height, not too short and not uneven. This creates the most pleasing curb appeal and causes neighbors to take notice. They edge the hardscapes and landscape beds neatly for a uniform look that catches the eyes of those passing by.

Customer service:  Exceptional customer service can be the one thing most lawn service companies lack. When you call, you need help and not the run-around. Reliable customer service can take the headaches out of worrying about your lawn care.

Weekly Landscape Maintenance 

The weekly tasks that can make your grass stand out from the rest include mowing, trimming, and edging. Mowing might seem like a simple task but the truth is that mowing at a too-low height can cause the grass to fail because the roots are exposed to the hot sun while cutting it at the right height will protect them and the entire plant. 

Trimming and edging can create noticeable curb appeal that brings out the best in your lawn. You can opt for weed and pest control applications to further improve the health and beauty of the grass. 

Weeds are a constant issue in the best lawns but having a lawn service with professional applications that occur on a regular schedule can keep them out of the grass. Pests are another problem that can take hold before you know they are there, but the evidence is in the lawn. You can see brown patches and rings to indicate your grass has an insect problem. 

Seasonal Irrigation Maintenance

Irrigation is a Florida essential but not something you want to worry about whether it is working well. A lawn care service can oversee the irrigation to ensure it is delivering the proper amount of water to each zone. They can also investigate for broken sprinkler heads that are throwing away the water by gushing from the pipe instead of targeting the exact areas. 

If you need to have the irrigation adjusted or require seasonal maintenance, this can be part of the lawn care maintenance program. 

The best lawn services fit your lifestyle, creating an effortless lawn and landscape that makes your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. 

Related: A Landscape Design Will Stay Refreshed With Proper Lawn Care in the St. Augustine, FL Areas

Regular mowing, adequate water, and plenty of sunshine are the ingredients for a thriving St. Augustine, FL Areas lawn but if the thought of performing lawn care tasks over and over makes you feel less than excited, it might be time to enlist the services of a lawn care company. When you want your landscape design to stay refreshed and vibrant, proper lawn care is a must. See how a weekly lawn service can take these tasks off your hands so you have more time to do what you love. 

Related: Tips for Choosing the Right Company in "Lawn Service Near Me" in the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Areas

Weekly Full Lawn Services

Some services should be done on a weekly basis to maintain a lawn and landscape that is envy-worthy. You need a lawn service that goes above and beyond at each visit to achieve the lush carpet of grass that makes your property stand out. 

Mowing and trimming: Weekly mowing from various starting points can ensure your grass is growing evenly. When a lawn service begins the mowing pattern at the same place each week, the grass can get too low at the starting point and too high in other places. The most pleasing lawns are even with a clean cut on the grass ends. 

Hand shrub pruning and shaping: At every visit, the lawn care team assesses whether the shrubs have stray growth that should be pruned for the best aesthetic appearance. They can hand prune to ensure the shape is uniform and the shrubs look like the perfect accent to the lawn and other landscape features. 

Weed control: Your lawn care service includes weed control that targets the weeds before they germinate and kills those that do grow. The best weed preventive is a lush stand of grass so that is what they cultivate but even the best-maintained lawns can have some weeds that sneak through. Constant monitoring of the weeds can ensure they are not able to take over the grass. 

Lawn pest control: Like weeds, a St. Augustine lawn has insects and larvae that burrow in and make a home in your lawn and landscape. This is where the right lawn pest control schedule can protect your investment and keep it in the healthy zone. 

Horticulture training: Very few lawn care services can say that each employee has horticulture training to spot plant problems before they have a chance to ruin the landscape. This applies to trees, too. The trees in your landscape offer shade and beauty, characteristics you want to protect. When the lawn care team arrives to handle the lawn, they also assess the entire landscape for good health. 

Irrigation service: The St. Augustine weather can require constant watering of the lawn and landscape so the lawn care team also assesses the irrigation to ensure the whole space is getting the right amount of water. This can keep you from wasting water through overwatering and underwatering so the property is struggling. 

Your lawn will be refreshed and appealing with the most curb appeal on the block when your lawn care service handles all the tasks. You can do what matters more to you than tending to the lawn and landscape in your free time. Plus, your refreshed outdoor spaces will be what stands out to those who pass by!

Related: 4 Lawn Care Services to Consider This Year in the Silverleaf and World Golf Village, FL Areas

Spring has sprung, and our schedule is filling up fast with homeowners seeking our help to jazz up their outdoor living spaces. To lend a helping hand, we've gone through our archives of past outdoor living projects and asked our team to choose their favorite ones and share some before-and-after pictures to help inspire our clients.

Landscape Design
Landscape design is undoubtedly one of the top-voted outdoor living projects, and for good reason. A well-designed landscape can transform a plain and boring yard into a beautiful and functional outdoor living space.

With careful planning, you can include areas for outdoor dining, gardening and relaxing. Landscape design can also incorporate sustainable practices, such as using native plants, conserving water, and minimizing chemical usage.

With its numerous benefits, it's no surprise that landscape design is a popular choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces.

Check out our top 5 Landscape Design projects:

1. Lawn Project Spotlight: Haile Plantation Landscape Renovation - The client contacted us after purchasing a house with overgrown landscaping that did not meet the landscaping requirements of Haile Plantation. The plants and original landscaping were outdated and so overgrown that a complete removal was necessary, and we had to start from scratch.
    
2. Project Spotlight: Curb Appeal Makeover - After constructing a new home in the Lugano subdivision, the client was dissatisfied with the landscaping on the side of their property.
   
   They requested a fruit tree for seasonal fruit, a focal point plant outside their window, the use of vibrant colors for curb appeal, and the addition of boulders to the design for a textured effect.
    
3. Project Spotlight: Landscape Renovation - For years, our client had been planning to construct their ideal home and desired an entertainment area off their back porch.
   
   Specifically, they wanted a space that included an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, patio, a blend of boulders and pavers, screening for an outdoor shower, and a spot for an industrial-style "Stock Tank" pool.
    
4. Outdoor Living Makeover: Paver Patio, Gas Firepit, Herb Garden, and Waterfall Feature - This homeowner was captivated by a water feature they had seen in a Jacksonville landscape and wanted to replicate at their new home.
   
   In addition to the water feature, they had other desires, such as an all-inclusive space for a hot tub, a natural gas fire pit, and a herb garden.
   
   We were thrilled to have met all of their requirements and even more excited that we exceeded their expectations!
    
5. Elevated Outdoor Living: Enhanced Gainesville Backyard with Deck Replacement and Raised Living Space - This client called us because she did not like the small wooden deck that came with her house. She also wanted to have an open design with space for a hot tub in the future. She installed retractable screens and our team installed a beautiful paver patio with steps to reach her backyard.
   
   We used thin pavers to go over her patio inside the screen that matched the larger pavers on the exterior area to make the entire back patio come together into a beautiful space for entertaining.
   
   To top it off, we added landscape lights to keep it looking appealing and safe in the evening as well. 

We take pride in our landscape design skills, and it shows in the remarkable transformations we've achieved for many homeowners' outdoor living spaces.

As the demand for outdoor living spaces is still on the rise, take a cue from these projects and let them inspire you to create your own dream outdoor space.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us and let's collaborate on making it a reality!

If you’re looking to extend your outdoor living space, please contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page, we would love to help!

Creating privacy in your outdoor space is essential for many homeowners, whether you want to block out nosy neighbors or simply enjoy a view that isn't your neighbor’s back patio. 

While fences and walls can create privacy, they can also be expensive and unappealing. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to create privacy in your landscape, including using shrubs, trees, and vines. 

In this article, we'll explore three natural ways to add privacy and seclusion to your outdoor oasis, so you can choose the best option for your needs and preferences.

Trees
Using trees for privacy in your landscape is a natural way to create a secluded and eventually shaded outdoor space. Trees not only provide privacy but also add beauty and value to your property. As they mature, they can also help to block out noise, provide energy savings for your home, and act as a natural windbreak, making them a practical and eco-friendly choice for privacy screening. 

Added bonus: many species of trees also offer beautiful blooms or foliage, which can add visual interest to your yard.

Here are a few of our favorite trees for your North Florida Landscape:

1. Crape Myrtle - These trees feature beautiful blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, and can grow up to 30 feet tall.

2. ‘Southern Charm’ Magnolia - This evergreen tree produces large, fragrant flowers and can reach up to 80 feet tall, providing excellent privacy screening.

3. Redbud  - This tree produces beautiful pink or purple flowers in the spring and can grow up to 25 feet tall, making it a great option for adding privacy and color to your landscape.

4. Live Oak -This tree is the king of southern landscapes, and adds beauty and appeal to any backyard. 

Shrubs
Using shrubs for privacy in your landscape is a great way to create a natural-looking privacy screen that enhances the beauty of your backyard space. Shrubs are often easy to maintain and can grow quickly, providing an easy solution to creating privacy.

Shrubs also have a variety of textures, leaf color, and flowers, making it easy to choose the perfect fit for your specific needs.

Here are a few ways you can use shrubs for Nocatee backyard privacy landscaping:

1. Create a dense hedge: The most common and basic design is to plant shrubs close together in a row that are the same cultivar and color. 
2. Mix and match: Combine different types of shrubs in layers, which not only provides privacy but also adds visual interest in contrast to your backyard.
3. Use in groupings: Plant shrubs and ornamental trees in groups of three or more to create a natural-looking privacy screen that blends seamlessly into your landscape. An example may be to plant a repeating pattern of 7 Viburnum followed by 1 Crape Myrtle, for a total of 21 Viburnum and 3 Crape Myrtles. This would add Color, contrast, height, and interest to your backyard privacy landscape.
4. Choose the right species: Select shrubs that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions to ensure they thrive and provide the desired level of privacy.

Vines
Using vines for privacy in your landscape can be a cool way to add a touch of natural beauty and character to your yard. Vines can grow quickly, covering fences or walls, and can be trained to grow in a specific direction or shape to create a natural-looking privacy screen.

Additionally, many vine species offer beautiful foliage and flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of your landscape.

1. Grow on Structures: Install vines on trellises, fences, or Pergola posts and train your chosen vines to grow up them to create a living privacy screen.
2. Added Aroma: Some vine species, such as Confederate Jasmine, can be used as fragrant additions to your backyard to enjoy while in your outdoor living space and also provides privacy.
3. Plant in containers: Plant vines in large containers and arrange them in strategic areas of your patio to create a mobile living privacy screen.
4. Create a living wall: Use a living wall system or install wire mesh panels on walls, and train vines to grow up them, creating a living wall that provides privacy.

We understand that creating privacy in your landscape is essential to creating a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for you and your family. Whether you prefer the towering majesty of trees, the colorful texture of shrubs, or the creative versatility of vines, there is an option that is right for your landscape. By incorporating these plants into your yard, you can transform it into a private oasis that you can enjoy for years to come.

If we can help with creating privacy in your landscape, feel free to contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

If you want more privacy in your North Florida or St. Augustine landscape, using vines is a great idea. Vines can add visual interest to your yard while also providing a barrier between you and your neighbors or the street. We know there are so many vines to choose from, and it can be hard to know which ones will grow well in North Florida. That's why we wrote this guide. We'll share with you our top picks for vines to use for privacy in North Florida, so you can pick the right ones for your yard.

1. Confederate Jasmine

Confederate jasmine is a great choice for creating privacy in your landscape because it grows very quickly and keeps its leaves all year long. It can make a thick screen when grown on things like trellises, fences, and arbors, and can grow to cover them quickly. This makes it a great way to create a barrier that keeps prying eyes out. The plant has lots of leaves that can absorb sound and block your view of neighbors or passersby. Plus, it has a lovely fragrance and pretty white flowers that can make your garden more beautiful.

Pro Tip: This plant is a fast grower, so you may need to trim it often to keep it from taking over.

• Landscape Plant of the Month: Confederate Jasmine
• UF IFAS Extension: 'Stop and Smell the Jasmine!’

2. Bougainvillea

This is a great plant to use to  create privacy in your north Florida landscape because it grows quickly and can cover fences and walls to make a great screen for privacy. It also has beautiful large flowers that come in a variety of colors such as pink, red, and purple, making your yard look stunning. Another advantage is that it is drought-tolerant and loves sunny and hot conditions, which makes it perfect for Florida's climate. This low-maintenance plant can survive occasional neglect, which makes it ideal for people who want privacy but don't have the time or energy to care for high-maintenance plants.

Please know it is not cold-hardy though, so deep frosts will cause it to go dormant and then grow back in spring. 

Pro Tip: Bougainvillea has thorny stems that can cause skin irritation, so be sure to wear gloves when handling the plant.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Bougainvillea
• Plant Care Today: Tips On Growing Bougainvillea In Florida

3. Creeping Fig

If you're looking to cover a fence or a wall in your St. Johns lawn, Creeping Fig is a great plant to consider. This fast-growing vine can quickly cover walls and other structures to help create a screen for privacy. Not only is Creeping Fig fast-growing, but it's also an evergreen plant, meaning it will keep its foliage year-round and provide a continuous barrier. Another benefit of Creeping Fig is its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, making it a versatile plant for many different areas of your landscape. Additionally, this plant is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect, making it a great option for those who don't have a lot of time to spend on plant care. The small, dark green leaves of Creeping Fig create a beautiful texture and add visual interest to any outdoor space. Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Creeping Fig can become invasive if not properly pruned and contained, so be sure to keep it in check.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Creeping Fig
• Home Guides SFGate: Cool Facts on Creeping Fig Plants

4. Carolina Jessamine

This is a great vining plant to use in a North Florida landscape because it is a fast-growing vine that can quickly cover fences or trellises. It also has beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and has evergreen foliage that will provide year-round coverage. Additionally, it is relatively low maintenance and is drought-tolerant once established. Its dense growth pattern also provides a barrier against noise and visual distractions, making it a great choice for privacy screening.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Carolina Jessamine
• Florida Wildflower Foundation: Carolina Jessamine

5. Evergreen Wisteria

If you're looking for a plant to create privacy in your St. Augustine lawn, the fast-growing Evergreen Wisteria vine is an excellent choice. With its attractive evergreen foliage that lasts all year and fragrant purple flowers in the spring and summer, it can quickly cover fences, trellises, and other structures. This vine is easy to care for, drought-tolerant once established, and has a dense growth pattern that creates a barrier against noise and visual distractions, providing effective privacy screening. Additionally, unlike some other wisteria species, Evergreen Wisteria is non-invasive and won't take over your landscape.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Evergreen Wisteria
• Five Facts: Wisteria in Florida

6. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a great low maintenance option to create privacy in your Nocatee landscape, and is drought-resistant once established. It grows thick and can block out noise and visual distractions. Plus, it won't spread everywhere and take over your yard. And if you get the Coral Honeysuckle, it helps out the animals that are native to Florida. So it's a good choice for privacy and for the environment too.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Coral Honeysuckle
• Florida Wildflower Foundation: Coral Honeysuckle

7. Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

This Vine is a great choice for anyone who wants to create a screen in their yard. It grows fast and is easy to take care of, so you won't have to spend a lot of time maintaining it. Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine  has beautiful leaves that come in different shades of green, purple, and variegated colors that can enhance the overall appeal of your landscape. It can also provide privacy and separate different parts of your yard. It's not expensive, and you can easily grow more plants by taking stem cuttings, which makes  it great choice for homeowners on a budget in Durbin Creek lawns.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Ornamental Sweet Potato
• Sweet Potato Vine Care - The Ultimate Guide from Proven Winners®

Vines are a fantastic way to add privacy and beauty to your North Florida backyard landscape. By planting the right species, you can enjoy year-round greenery, colorful blooms, and sweet fragrances that enhance your outdoor living. Whether you prefer climbing, twining, or sprawling vines, we are sure one of the above options will meet your needs. Don't forget to consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and watering requirements when selecting the best vines for your yard. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a natural screen that offers privacy, tranquility, and charm.

If you’re looking to add one of these North Florida Landscape plants into your yard, please contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

If you're looking to create a shady oasis in your North Florida landscape, planting the right shade trees can be a game-changer. Not only do they provide much-needed relief from the sun, but they can also enhance the beauty and value of your property. However, with so many options to choose from, selecting the perfect shade tree for your North Florida landscape can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore some of the best shade trees for North Florida lawns and provide tips on how to care for them, so you can make an informed decision and create the your perfect outdoor living space!

1. Drake or Winged Elm

The Drake or Winged Elm tree can get pretty tall - we're talking 40 to 70 feet here! They're happiest when they're hangin' out in areas with some sunlight or partial shade, and they do best in soil that's nice and moist, with lots of nutrients. But, if you end up planting one in dry, sandy soil, don't worry - just make sure you give it a good watering on the regular for the first couple of years and it should adapt just fine. Oh, and they've got a pretty nice rounded canopy and their branches can spread out far and wide, so they're perfect for providing some shade.

They grow fast and they are deciduous, but their leaves are small and easy to clean up. The only warning with these trees is that they love to reproduce seedlings in other areas of the yard. Be careful to manage their volunteer Elms in your other landscape beds and you will love this tree in your Gainesville or St. Augustine landscape. 

• CHARLES REYNOLDS: Drake elms grow well in Central Florida

• UF IFAS Extension: 'DRAKE' CHINESE ELM’

2. Oak (Southern Live Oak, Shumard, Bluejack, Laurel, or White Oak)

Did you know that there are nineteen types of oak trees that are native to Florida? Some of the most popular ones are the Shumard and live oaks, which are not only appealing to the eye, but they also provide homes and food for wildlife. And if you're into that whole autumn vibes thing, some of these oak trees even have colorful foliage during that season - which is rare in Ponte Vedra landscapes. 

Oaks are also known for being really sturdy and long-lasting, especially if you take the time to prune them right. In fact, many types of oaks can even hold up pretty well during a hurricane.Southern Live Oaks do grow relatively slowly, so make sure to plant one of a decent size to enjoy shade. Other Oak varieties do grow quicker, but none are as appealing as a Southern Live Oak.

• All About Gardening: 16 Types of Oak Trees That Can Grow in Florida

• UF IFAS Extension: 'SOUTHERN LIVE OAK’

3. Sweetbay Magnolia

Have you ever checked out a Sweetbay Magnolia Tree? Depending on which type you look at, they can be shaped like an oval, pyramid, or even straight up and down. Some of these trees are nice and thick, which makes them perfect for giving you some privacy or blocking out the sun. And then there are other types that are more spread out, with lots of space between the branches. Those ones are great for being a cool centerpiece in your garden. These trees can grow really tall and skinny, while others are just as wide as they are tall. So, basically, there's a Magnolia Tree for every style out there.

Magnolias are also great for Privacy and give late afternoon shade as the sun starts to set. If your backyard faces the west, enjoying your patio in the afternoon can be quite the challenge, but a well placed fast growing Magnolia tree can make all the difference in the world.

• Piedmont Master Gardners: Sweetbay Magnolia

• UF IFAS Extension: 'SWEETBAY MAGNOLIA’

4. Florida Maple

Florida is actually too hot for most maple trees, but there is one type that can handle it - the Florida Maple. This tree is especially cool because it turns a super pretty red-bronze color in the fall, and even its new growth in the spring has a reddish tint. Plus, it grows pretty fast and doesn't get too crazy tall - usually about 40 feet or so. So if you're looking for a good shade tree to put in your yard, the Florida Maple is a great option for seasonal color (a rarity in North Florida lawns) and shade.

• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Maples of Florida’

• UF IFAS Extension: 'FLORIDA MAPLE’

5. Sylvester Date Palm

If you're in North Central Florida and looking for a Tropical looking tree to add shade to your patio, consider anchoring your backyard patio with a Sylvester palm. These palms don't need a lot of attention and will do well in the sandy soils of Florida. While they can grow in some shade, they'll look their best if planted in a sunny spot. As the tree gets bigger, it will provide plenty of shade and have a lovely, symmetrical shape. With its graceful fronds and minimal upkeep, the Sylvester palm is a smart choice for anyone who wants to add some shade over your patio or tropical flair to their yard.

• South Florida plant Guide: Sylvester Palm

• All About Palm Trees: Sylvester Date Palm Tree

6. Ash Tree

Looking for a low-maintenance and fast-growing tree that provides shade in North Central Florida? The Florida Ash tree might be just what you need. These trees are well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate and can grow well in both full sun and partial shade. The attractive glossy green leaves of the Florida Ash tree make it a great addition to any landscape. If you want to add some shade to your outdoor space or create a relaxing area in your yard, the Florida Ash tree is a fantastic option that won't disappoint!

• The Spruce: 13 Species of Ash Trees

• UF IFAS Extension: ‘CAROLINIANA, POP ASH’

7. Crape Myrtle

If you're looking to add some color and shade to your North Central Florida landscape, consider growing a larger cultivar Crape Myrtle tree (such as Natchez, Muskogee, Biloxi, or Tuscarora). These trees are a popular choice for their stunning and long-lasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white that typically start in the summer and continue well into the fall. They can provide ample shade in Florida's hot and sunny climate, with some cultivars reaching up to 25 feet in height. These trees are low-maintenance and can grow well in full sun or partial shade, making them a versatile option for landscape. With their beautiful flowers and interesting bark, a Crape Myrtle tree is an excellent addition to any outdoor living space looking to add both beauty and shade! 

• UF IFAS Extension: 'NATCHEZ' CRAPE MYRTLE’

• Ted Trees: 4 Gorgeous Ways to Use Crape Myrtle

8. Sycamore

This fast-growing, resilient tree is great  for shade in North Central Florida. These trees are native to Florida and thrive in the hot and humid climate of the region. With full sun, these trees grow up to 80 feet tall, with large and broad leaves to quickly create a shaded outdoor area in your yard. Their attractive bark peels off in patches, revealing an eye-catching pattern of white, gray, and brown. Sycamore trees are low maintenance for the most part…fall leaf cleanup with Sycamore trees in North Central Florida can be a bit of a challenge due to their large size and the sheer amount of leaves they shed! Whether you want to add natural beauty to your yard or create a peaceful retreat, a Sycamore tree is an excellent choice.

• UF IFAS Extension: SYCAMORE

• Imagine Our Florida: American Sycamore

9. Loblolly Bay

These trees are well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate and can grow up to 40 feet tall, providing ample shade for outdoor spaces. With attractive glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers in the spring and summer, the Loblolly Bay tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. These trees can thrive in full sun to partial shade and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance yet visually stunning shade tree option in North Central Florida.

• UF IFAS Extension: LOBLOLLY-BAY

• Jane's Garden: Raising Loblolly Bay in Florida

Choosing the right shade trees can make your North Florida yard look and feel amazing. By taking a bit of time to plan things out and really think about what you want, you can make your outdoor space a relaxing paradise with plenty of shade and great views that you can enjoy for years to come.

If you’re looking to add one of these North Florida Landscape trees into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

While the weather in Alachua and Gainesville, FL, helps to keep landscaping looking green and healthy, some thought needs to be put into creating the type of ideal outdoor space for playing with the kids and hosting barbecue. The following lawn care essentials can keep your outdoor spaces pristine for all your plans this spring and summer. 

Landscape Design Upgrades

If your landscape has started to look ordinary and you think it needs an upgrade, you may want to consider adding new features—a speciality that some landscaping companies possess. The same company that takes care of your lawn can design and install custom features and landscape plans that highlight your home’s unique style and draw attention to the very best parts of the outdoor environment. 

From the front yard to the back, they have the ideas for upgrades that bring back your joy in your outdoor spaces. 

Weekly Lawn Service 

Entrusting your lawn to a professional service can ensure your landscape is stunning throughout the year. Because they pay special attention to the smallest lawn care details, you can be sure your property will stand out in the neighborhood. You might even have neighbors ask for your lawn care secrets!

Your lawn service can be tailored to your particular needs, including horticultural services to attend to the fine gardening shrubs and plants that distinguish your landscape. 

Sprinklers and Irrigation 

Proper irrigation can be crucial in the summer heat so you want a lawn care service that understands the demands your lawn and landscape have for watering. The ideal time for irrigation tends to be in the wee morning hours well before the sun rises. Since this may be when you are still sleeping, it can be difficult to know if the sprinkler system is working correctly. 

A lawn care service has the training to notice whether the grass and landscape beds are receiving the proper water amounts for them to thrive in the summer heat. The last thing you want to happen is for the plants and grass to suffer when you have so much invested in your custom landscape. 

Knowing they are always on the lookout for problems can give you tremendous peace of mind. 

Lawn Fertilization and Pest Control 

Being proactive with pest control can keep your grass and landscape plants from being consumed by insects but keeping up with the application schedule can be tough. When you hand off pest control and lawn fertilization to a reputable lawn service, they know what to apply at the ideal times to ensure your landscape remains healthy and vigorous. 

After a soil analysis to determine where it is deficient, they help clients love their lawns again with topdressing, targeted irrigation, and fertilizer that feeds their grass the nutrients it needs to remain in great health. 

Fertilizer is essential to feed the grass and plants well. Since the timing of the applications is critical to the most absorption during growth periods, their team can keep your lawn on schedule. The right ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus can boost the grass into a lush, green carpet that complements the lovely appearance of your home.