Commercial landscaping professionals spend a lot time working with our clients to help them select the right plants and trees to use in their property’s landscapes. The types of trees that would grow and thrive successfully in a commercial landscape design depend on the region where the property is located, using the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zone 8 - a region which experiences mild winters, a temperate summer climate, and a long growing season, covers much of the Southern US, so in this article we’ll take a look at 5 types of trees which are most suitable for commercial landscapes within Zone 8:
Fan Palms (Washingtonia Spp.)
Palm trees are a representation of sunny days and warm weather, and are always a favorite for clients who want to add a bit of the tropics to their commercial landscape. They are tall (these trees can grow as high as 100 feet with a circumference of 10 feet!) and are popular palms for commercial landscaping. These types of trees typically grow at a fast pace and are most suited for larger-sized properties. When it comes to maintenance, it is necessary to establish an irrigation system, however, there is no need for excessive watering.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica)
Lagerstroemi Indica, or the Crape Myrtle tree, is called the "lilac of the South" and is a widely famous choice in the region for it’s colorful display of summer flowers and brilliant fall colors, and ability to grow even with limited soil space, making it a great choice to display on commercial properties year-round. The Crape Myrtle is frost and drought tolerant, prefers full sun exposure, and has the potential to grow between 15-25 ft tall. The type of tree requires low-maintenance upkeep year-round— so it is routine to plant these trees in parking lots, along sidewalks, and in other common areas where viewers may enjoy them.
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
The Southern Magnolia tree is one that while mostly prevalent in the South, could be planted as far north as Maine, Michigan and Washington. It is praised for it’s lustrous green leaves, white blossoms that are pleasing to the eye, and for it’s ability to provide year-round foliage. The magnolia grandiflora thrives best in warmer climates under full or partial sun exposure. This tree has the potential to grow to a height of 60-80 feet, with a spread of around 40 feet as it matures. Generally, you would find Southern Magnolia integrated within your commercial landscape’s common areas, as opposed to along the street or parking lots, due to the large seed pods that shed during the fall.
Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
The Southern Live Oak is one of the most popular and evergreen trees that help in providing your landscape with a pleasant existence of long-term greenery. These trees have a medium to fast pace of growth and can reach a height of 40 to 80 feet. It has a substantial crown of branches which can spread twice as wide. The Southern Live Oak tree has a long lifespan and flourishes in deep, rich and moist soil. In hot interior climates, it is considered the most eye-catching evergreen oak.
Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Acer rubrum is typically planted in commercial landscapes as an ornamental due to the variety of colors and foliage that it provides year-round. The maple tree grows relatively quick and is tolerant to a wide range of soils, which make it a great choice for use in commercial landscaping. The red maple has the potential to grow between 40-60 feet in height with a spread of approximately 40 feet as it matures. It thrives best under full sun exposure, and while it prefers wet soil conditions, the maple tree does hold a slight tolerance to drought conditions.
Make Yellowstone Landscape your first call when you’re looking for suggestions about improving your Southern Commercial Landscape. We’re here to serve all of your commercial landscaping needs—connect with us now!
