Best Low-Maintenance Trees for South Florida (Native & Drought-Tolerant)

South Florida’s sandy soil, heavy rain, heat, and coastal winds make landscaping a challenge. The smartest choices are native trees. Florida natives typically need less water and fertilizer, thrive in well-drained sandy soils, and are more wind resistant, salt tolerant, and pest tolerant, making them the best low maintenance trees for South Florida yards. As commercial landscapers and tree-care experts, our top 5 native trees for Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast are:

1) Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Why we like it

• Classic Southern shade

• Long-lived and tough once established

• Excellent wildlife value and curb appeal

Care tips

• Train one dominant leader when young

• Structural prune years 1 to 3, then about every 5 years until around age 30

• Give it room to reach mature width and height

Best for:

Large yards needing long-term shade, wildlife habitat, and classic Southern curb appeal; good wind performance with proper structure-pruning.

Large Live Oak providing shade at a public park on the Treasure Coast. © 2025 Laura Ellingson.

Often draped in Spanish moss, live oaks make beautiful additions to any landscape. These sprawling beauties are iconic of the American South, evoking mystery, romance, and even superstition. Beyond their historical significance and frequent appearances in art and film, live oaks are practical in Florida. They are well adapted to sandy soil and humidity. They are drought-resistant but also do well with consistent moisture in well-drained soil. While relatively low maintenance, they need pruning when young to develop proper branch and trunk structure. UF/IFAS recommends pruning every year for the first three years, then every five years until the tree is about 30 years old. With care, live oaks can grow up to 80 feet tall and live for hundreds of years. Make sure you have plenty of room if you plant one, as the trunk can reach up to six feet wide.

Fun fact: The memorable “Forrest and Jenny” tree from Forrest Gump is a live oak filmed near Beaufort, South Carolina.

2) Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)

Why we like it

• Very wind resistant and fast growing for quick shade

• Striking red, peeling bark adds year-round interest

• Roots easily from cuttings and thrives on coastal sites

Care tips

• Plant in sandy, well-drained soil; water regularly until established

• Expect some leaf drop in cool spells; this is normal

• Lightly thin interior twigs as needed for clearance and airflow

Best for:

Coastal and wind-exposed sites, quick shade, kid-friendly climbing trees, and year-round interest from showy peeling bark (see images below)

Gumbo Limbo trees peeling bark. © 2025 Laura Ellingson

Gumbo limbo trees are easy to spot with their shiny, smooth bark and large canopy. They are common in Florida’s scrub habitats, where it can get very dry. Drought-resistant once established, they thrive in sandy soil along Florida’s coast (typically zones 10b to 11) and can grow as tall as 60 feet. You can propagate them by simply inserting a branch cutting into soil. It may look like it is drying out at first, but it will often root and grow into a tree. This fast-growing species provides abundant shade and is a favorite for children who love to climb. Gumbo limbos are also among the most wind-resistant trees. They will drop their leaves during colder weather, but the peeling red bark provides a beautiful contrast on its own or when planted with other trees.

Fun fact: The gumbo limbo is also known as the “tourist tree” because its red, peeling bark resembles sunburned skin.

3) Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera)

Why we like it

• Salt, sun, and sand tolerant; ideal for coastal hedges

• Provides shade, erosion control, and wildlife value

• Edible fruit in late summer to fall

Care tips

• Shape as a hedge or small tree with selective cuts

• Check local rules before harvesting fruit; get permission on private property

• Rake fallen fruit where walkways or patios need to stay clean

Best for

Beachfront hedges, erosion control, pollinator and wildlife support, edible landscaping, and reducing light spill near turtle-nesting areas.

Sea Grape tree growing in sand along the Indian River Lagoon. © 2025 Laura Ellingson

Sea grapes thrive where other trees may fail due to salt, sun, or sand. They provide generous shade, are widely used in erosion control, and offer excellent nectar for pollinators. They can also be shaped into attractive, practical hedges that provide wind protection and help reduce light pollution near nesting sea turtles along Florida’s coastline. Best of all, the fruit is edible. From summer through fall, clusters of “grapes” hang from the branches and turn a rich purple when ripe. You can make jelly if you gather enough, or simply pluck them from the tree and eat them. Sea grapes can also be used to make wine, and other parts of the tree are reputed to have medicinal benefits. Keep in mind: in Florida, it is illegal to harvest sea grapes on public land (and on private land without the owner’s permission).

Fun fact: The large, round leaves have been used as natural “plates” and even as canvases for writing or painting at beach festivals and markets.

4) Sweet Acacia (Huisache) — Vachellia farnesiana (syn. Acacia farnesiana)

Why we like it

• Fragrant yellow blooms late winter through early spring

• Compact size works well in small yards

• Very drought tolerant once established

Care tips

• Full sun and well-drained soil are best

• Plant away from play areas because of thorns

• Minimal feeding needed; avoid overwatering

Best for

Small yards, fragrance gardens, xeriscapes/low-water landscapes, and early-season pollen/nectar for pollinators.

This Florida native features fragrant, bright yellow flowers that bloom from late winter through early spring. It stays on the smaller side, reaching 15 to 20 feet tall, which makes it a good choice for smaller yards and gardens. Low-maintenance in Zones 9a to 11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, and once established it is highly drought tolerant. Sweet acacias have little to no pest concerns according to UF/IFAS and are somewhat tolerant of salt and nutrient-poor sites. However, they are thorny, so plant them away from areas where children play.

Fun fact: Sweet acacia was planted extensively in southern Europe in the 1600s, and its flowers have been used in perfumery since the 1700s to make cassie absolute, often found in high-end perfumes.

5) Clusia / Pitch Apple (Clusia rosea)

Why we like it

• Fast-growing privacy hedge or sculpted small tree

• Thick “autograph” leaves, great in modern landscapes

• Handles sand and salt with ease

Care tips

• Flowers form at branch tips; frequent hedging will reduce blooms

• Confirm you are buying Clusia rosea and not a look-alike species

• Prune lightly and regularly to maintain hedge density

Best for

Fast privacy screens and hedges, modern tropical looks, coastal/sandy soils, and low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings.

Clusia leaf (autograph example), flower, and fruit. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

A drought-tolerant, fast-growing native tree that’s commonly grown as a hedge, Clusia rosea is an excellent addition to South Florida landscapes. It grows well in sandy soil and requires little care. The leaves are glossy, thick, and flexible, and can be written on, which gives it the nickname “autograph tree.” Clusia makes great privacy fences, or it can be pruned into a tree that grows up to about 30 feet. The flowers are light pink, but they may not show if it is trimmed as a hedge because they form at the branch tips. It may take two to three years to flower. When purchasing, make sure it is Clusia rosea, as there are many non-native Clusia species that look very similar.

Fun fact: The sticky black resin from the fruit was traditionally used as “pitch” to seal seams on wooden boats, which is how it got the common name pitch apple.

While these trees are generally low maintenance, like all plants they are not immune to pests or diseases. Mild infestations of soft-bodied pests (aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites) can often be managed with a strong stream of water to dislodge larvae and by keeping plants well nourished for better resilience. If problems persist, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, and in severe or recurring cases consult a professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

ArborPro serves The Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast. Call today if you’d like a local assessment and care plan.

Tell us about your favorite trees in the comments below!