St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Thank you for your participation in our tree give-away! 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"

American Mulberry (Red Mulberry) - Morus rubra

The American Mulberry, or Red Mulberry, is a native North American tree cherished for its sweet, dark-purple fruits, similar to blackberries. Growing 30-50 feet tall with broad, heart-shaped leaves, this mulberry is a favorite of both humans and wildlife. Adaptable and resilient, it thrives in diverse climates and soils.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Plant in full sun; adapts well to different soil types.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral.
Timing: Best planted in spring or early fall.
Spacing: Allow 15-25 feet between trees for full growth.
Watering: Water regularly during the first year for strong establishment.
Mulch: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape and clear dead branches.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.

    Mulberries are hardy and drought-tolerant once established, providing delicious, low-maintenance fruit for you and local wildlife to enjoy.

      

     "Yaupon Holly"

     

    Yaupon Holly – A Resilient, Wildlife-Friendly Evergreen

    Yaupon Holly is a highly adaptable, evergreen shrub or small tree with dense, small, oval leaves and vibrant red berries that draw in birds. Known for its versatility, it can be used as a hedge, screen, or ornamental plant and thrives in a wide range of soils and environmental conditions. Growing to 10-20 feet tall and 6-12 feet wide, Yaupon Holly is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it an ideal landscape choice.

    Planting Instructions:

    Location: Select a spot with full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes more berry production.
    Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil but adapts to various types, including sandy or clay soils, and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

    Planting Steps:

    Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, 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 with original soil and gently firm it around the roots.
    Watering: Water deeply after planting. In the first growing season, water regularly to establish strong roots. Once established, Yaupon Holly is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
    Mulching: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk to prevent moisture issues.
    Spacing: For hedges, space plants 4-6 feet apart. For individual plantings, allow 10-15 feet between plants.
    Maintenance: This low-maintenance plant needs minimal pruning; shape as needed in late winter or early spring. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, though a balanced spring fertilizer can be applied if desired.

      Yaupon Holly’s toughness and ecological benefits make it a perfect addition for adding structure, year-round interest, and bird-friendly features to any landscape.

       

       

      "Sugarberry"

       

      Sugarberry Tree (Celtis laevigata) – A Wildlife Haven and Landscape Gem

      The Sugarberry is a versatile, medium to large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, reaching heights of 30-50 feet with a graceful, rounded crown. Known for its smooth, gray bark that matures to a distinctive furrowed texture, the Sugarberry produces small, sweet berries that attract birds and other wildlife. Adaptable to various soil types and highly tolerant of wet conditions, it’s an excellent choice for flood-prone areas or moist woodlands. The tree also brings seasonal charm with leaves that turn a vibrant yellow to orange in fall.

      Planting Instructions:

      Location: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers full sun but tolerates some shade, especially in warmer areas.
      Soil: Sugarberry thrives in well-drained soils but adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils, tolerating both acidic and alkaline conditions.

      Planting Steps:

      Dig a hole twice as wide and at the same depth as the root ball.
      Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
      Backfill gently, pressing soil around the roots to remove air pockets.
      Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep soil consistently moist in the first growing season to encourage strong root growth. Once established, Sugarberry is drought-tolerant but appreciates watering during dry periods.
      Mulching: Spread a 2-3 inch mulch layer around the tree base to retain moisture and control weeds. Avoid placing mulch against the trunk to prevent rot.
      Spacing: Space trees 20-30 feet apart for ample room as they mature.
      Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape as desired. Typically low-maintenance, Sugarberry needs little fertilization.

        This resilient and beautiful tree is a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes, providing food, shelter, and a lovely, robust presence year-round.

         

        "Firebush"


        Firebush (Hamelia patens) – A Bold Choice for Tropical Color and Wildlife Attraction

        The Firebush is a stunning, fast-growing shrub with eye-catching orange-red tubular flowers that draw in hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s a resilient, tropical addition to gardens, ideal for adding vibrant color and wildlife appeal to warm climates.

        Planting Instructions:

        Location: Select a spot with full sun to partial shade. Firebush thrives in warm climates and fits beautifully in Florida landscapes.
        Soil: Prefers well-draining soil. Although it tolerates poorer soils, adding organic matter will improve moisture retention.
        Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, place the plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot, and fill in with soil. Press the soil firmly around the base.
        Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, then water regularly for the first few weeks. Once established, Firebush is highly drought-tolerant.
        Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant base to retain moisture and control soil temperature, but keep mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.
        Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to accommodate their mature size.
        Maintenance: Lightly prune in early spring to shape and promote new growth. Firebush is generally pest-free, low-maintenance, and benefits from occasional fertilization.

          This vibrant shrub is perfect for tropical gardens, creating a lively display while providing a haven for pollinators.