Florida Fruit Trees
January 24, 2020

January 24, 2020

Grow you own fruit!

Green mangoes hanging on a tree branch with green leaves.

There's a lot to be said for growing your own fruit. Beside the enjoyment of growing things, you also get the benefit of picking fruit at its peak. Commercial fruit has to be picked early so that it looks ripe on the shelf, but that sometimes means it will lack flavor and nutrition. So, with your own fruit trees you end up with potentially better fruit with a huge money savings. You may even find yourself eating more fruit, and that's one way to be more healthy overall.   There are a lot of fruits that thrive in the Mid-Florida area, with our warm climate and generous rains. Citrus fruits such as  Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Lemons are obvious, but let's not forget Avocado, Bananas, Figs, Guava, Jackfruit, Japanese Persimmons, Loquats, Lychee, Mangoes, Mulberries, Papayas, Peaches, and Tamarind which all grow well in Florida.   Many trees can take years of growth when starting from seed before producing fruit, but there are options for getting a harvest much sooner. You may choose to purchase a grafted tree that will produce fruit in the first year or buy mature trees that are already producing. Consider the schedule for mature fruit and you can plan a garden to produce nearly year round!   There are some general fruit tree planting guidelines:
  • Plant your fruit trees where they will receive at least six hours of sun each day during growing season.
  • Make sure the sun is not blocked by buildings, fences or other shade.
  • Plant at least three feet away from sidewalks & driveways and six feet from buildings, to prevent a conflict between the tree's roots and any structure.
  • Plant with ten to fifteen feet of space between fruit trees.
  Once you have decided the type of fruit you would like to grow and verified that there is enough sun and space, the next step is to choose varieties & rootstocks that are appropriate for your property. The idea is to choose varieties that are suitable for your climate to maximize your success.   Once planted, there will be some general maintenance required to get the best result. The details will depend on what kind of trees you have planted.
  • Watering will be most important.
  • Mulching will help to retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
  • Fertilizing with a fruit tree specific plant food is also recommended.
  • Seasonal activities will include insect, pest & disease control, as needed.
  • Most fruit trees will require pruning, even if only to remove dead or damaged wood. Pruning will differ with each type of tree to ensure the best results.
  Because each tree requires its own strategy for success, we strongly recommend contacting a professional, like the ones at here at Mid Florida Tree Service, to assist you in making the most out of each tree. Call us today at 813-986-2258.

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Professional Tree Pruning Protects Tampa Homes

By Mid Florida Tree Service • August 7, 2026
Healthy, well maintained trees are one of the features that make Tampa neighborhoods attractive. They provide shade, improve curb appeal, and can even increase property value. However, trees also require routine care to remain safe and healthy. Professional tree pruning is one of the most effective ways to protect both your trees and your home. Whether you have mature live oaks, laurel oaks, magnolias, palms, or pines, proper pruning helps trees grow stronger while reducing the risk of future problems. Pruning Improves Tree Health Trees naturally develop dead, damaged, or diseased branches over time. Removing these branches allows the tree to direct its energy toward healthy growth. Professional pruning can help: Remove dead or declining limbs. Improve air circulation throughout the canopy. Increase sunlight penetration. Reduce the spread of certain diseases. Encourage balanced growth. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate each tree individually and recommend pruning that supports its long term health. Reduce the Risk of Property Damage Overgrown branches can become hazardous, especially during Tampa's summer thunderstorms and hurricane season. Heavy limbs hanging over a roof, driveway, or fence are more likely to fail during high winds. Routine pruning helps reduce these risks by: Removing structurally weak branches. Reducing excess canopy weight. Improving branch spacing. Identifying potential hazards before they become emergencies. Taking a proactive approach is often less expensive than repairing storm damage later. Protect Your Home and Landscape Professional pruning is about much more than appearance. Every cut affects how a tree grows in the future. Improper pruning can weaken the tree, create decay, or encourage unstable growth. We carefully consider: The tree's species. Its age and overall health. Branch structure. Nearby buildings, sidewalks, and utility lines. Long term stability. Proper pruning helps preserve the beauty of your landscape while protecting your investment. Avoid Common Pruning Mistakes Many tree problems begin with well intentioned but improper pruning. Removing too much of the canopy or making incorrect cuts can permanently damage a healthy tree. Some common mistakes include: Topping trees to reduce height. Removing too many healthy limbs at one time. Cutting branches flush against the trunk. Leaving broken or torn limbs after storms. Professional pruning follows industry standards that promote healthy healing and long term structural strength. Why Local Experience Matters Trees growing in Tampa face challenges that are unique to Florida's climate. Fast growth, frequent storms, sandy soils, and extended growing seasons all influence how trees should be maintained. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, we understand the needs of the tree species commonly found throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. Our ISA Certified Arborists develop pruning recommendations that improve safety while preserving the natural form and health of each tree. Schedule a Professional Tree Pruning Evaluation Routine pruning is one of the best investments you can make in your property's long term safety and appearance. Addressing small problems before they become major hazards helps protect both your home and your landscape. If your trees are due for maintenance or you have concerns about overgrown branches, Mid-Florida Tree Service is here to help.  Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a professional tree pruning evaluation for your Tampa home.
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