Keep Nassau Beautiful

 

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!

 

  UF|IFAS extension training video we use for events: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKxcQ8g6yCw 

 

The webpage for the program is here: 

https://keepnassaubeautiful.org/programs/planting-nassaus-future/ 

 

"Florida Maple"

Florida Maple is a beautiful, fast-growing shade tree with vibrant foliage that turns golden-yellow in the fall. It’s well-suited to southern climates and provides excellent shade and ornamental appeal.

Planting Instructions:

Location: Plant in a sunny to partially shaded area with ample space for growth.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but adapts well to various soil types.
Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is level with the ground, then backfill with soil.
Watering: Water deeply after planting. Continue regular watering during the first year to establish strong roots.
Mulching: Spread 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.
Spacing: Space 20–30 feet apart for mature growth.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter to remove dead branches and shape the tree. Fertilize annually for optimal health and growth.

 

    "Eagleston Holly"

    Eagleston Holly is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its dense foliage and attractive berries. Ideal for privacy screens or ornamental planting, it offers year-round greenery and requires minimal upkeep.

    Planting Instructions:

    Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Eagleston Holly thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate various soil types.
    Soil: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid waterlogged areas.
    Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the holly in the hole, level with the surrounding soil, and backfill.
    Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, and continue regular watering during the first growing season to establish roots.
    Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, leaving space around the trunk to prevent rot.
    Spacing: Space plants 5–6 feet apart for a hedge or screen.
    Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape. Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer for best growth.

     

     

    "Bald Cypress"

    Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

    The Bald Cypress is a majestic, long-lived tree known for its feathery, soft green leaves that turn a beautiful orange-brown in fall. It’s well-suited for wet or flood-prone areas, making it a standout choice for landscapes with water features.

    Planting Instructions:

    Location: Plant in full sun. Bald Cypress can tolerate both wet and dry areas, but it thrives near water, such as ponds or riverbanks.
    Soil: Prefers moist, acidic soil but adapts to various types, including clay and sandy soils.

    Planting:

    Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth.
    Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
    Backfill with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
    Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Water regularly for the first year to establish deep roots, then periodically during dry spells if planted away from water.
    Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
    Spacing: Space 15-20 feet apart to allow for their mature width and natural form.
    Maintenance: Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Bald Cypress is low-maintenance and naturally pest-resistant, needing minimal care once established.

    This durable, flood-tolerant tree is an excellent choice for enhancing landscapes and creating a unique, natural look.

     

    "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.

       

      "Tulip Poplar"

      Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing, stately tree known for its large leaves and tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. With vibrant fall color, it adds seasonal interest and makes an excellent shade tree.

      Planting Instructions:

      Location: Choose a sunny location with plenty of space, as this tree can grow large.
      Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil but can adapt to various types.
      Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and as deep as the root system. Place the tree in the hole, keeping the root flare level with the ground, and backfill with soil.
      Watering: Water deeply after planting. Maintain regular watering, especially in the first few years, to establish strong roots.
      Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
      Spacing: Space 40–50 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
      Maintenance: Prune in late winter to remove dead branches and encourage strong structure. Fertilize annually in early spring for best results.