A Certified Arborist’s Guide to Tree Health in the Florida Heat

Oliver Owens
Jul 18
5 min read

Updated: Aug 19

Let’s take a minute to talk Florida trees. Not the ones you see in vacation ads — I mean the real ones sitting in your yard. You ever wonder how these trees manage to survive that blazing sun, air thick as soup, and those rainstorms that come and go faster than a rumor?

Well… here’s the thing: They don’t always make it. And the ones that do? They often need more help than folks think.

Valrico’s Local Tree Doctors

We’re certified arborists working right here in Valrico, Seffner, and the surrounding neighborhoods. And let me tell you — we’ve seen it all. Trees burned up, bark peeling from stress, silent diseases working their way in before anyone even notices.

So in this guide, we’re not talking fluff. We’re giving you a grounded, real-world look at what Florida’s heat does to your trees — and what you can do to keep them standing strong.

Why Florida Heat Is Rough on Trees

Florida’s not gentle on anything — especially not trees. You’ve got:

Unforgiving UV rays
Soils that don’t hold water
Salt in the air (if you’re near the coast)
Rainstorms that drown everything, followed by dry spells that bake the ground
Humidity so thick it might as well be soup

A tree in Florida isn’t just growing. It’s fighting to keep itself together.

What Is a Certified Arborist — and Why Bother?

A Certified Arborist is someone who’s trained, tested, and downright obsessed with tree biology and health. It’s not a guess — it’s science, experience, and knowing what to look for.

You wouldn’t call your cousin who watched a YouTube video to do heart surgery. So why hand your trees — the biggest living things on your property — over to someone without the right tools or knowledge?

See our Certified Arborist Services in Valrico

Heat-Stressed Trees: What to Watch For

When a tree’s not doing well in the heat, it’ll show you — but you’ve gotta be paying attention.

1. Leaves Curling or Wilting

That’s one of the first red flags. Leaves may sag, crisp up on the tips, or start to curl in on themselves — especially newer growth.

2. Dropping Leaves Too Early

If it’s the middle of summer and your tree’s dropping leaves like it’s October, that’s its version of a cry for help.

3. Leaf Burn or Color Changes

Brown, yellow, scorched-looking leaves usually mean sunburn or root problems — or both. Especially if there’s no mulch around.

4. Bark Cracking

No moisture + too much heat = cracks running down the bark. That’s a direct line for bugs and rot to move in.

5. No Growth at All

If your tree hasn’t budded or sprouted anything new, it may be stuck — trying to survive instead of grow.

How to Protect Your Trees in Florida Heat

1. Water Smart — Not Fast

Don’t blast your tree for five minutes and call it good. Trees want deep, slow watering. Set the hose to a trickle for 20–30 minutes at the base. Do it early morning or in the evening when it won’t just evaporate.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose around the drip line — not right up against the trunk.

2. Mulch (The Right Way)

A 2–4 inch layer of mulch helps lock in moisture and protect roots. But please don’t pile it up around the trunk like a volcano — that just leads to rot.

🔗 Free Mulching Guide – UF IFAS

3. Don’t Over-Prune

Yes, trees need trimming — but heavy pruning in the summer can do more harm than good. Too much exposure = sunburn. Let a certified pro take care of it the right way.

See Our Tree Pruning Services

4. Check for Pests and Funky Growths

Heat-stressed trees attract all kinds of issues. Look out for:

Sticky sap
Sawdust piles
Black mold-looking stuff on leaves
Mushrooms near the trunk

Any of those signs? Call someone in.

5. Don’t Build Right Over Roots

Installing a patio, new landscaping, a driveway? Remember — those roots go wide. Compacting soil or cutting roots can knock a tree out long before it topples.

Best Trees for the Florida Heat (And the Strugglers)

Heat Survivors:

Live Oak – Durable, drought-tolerant, built for Florida
Bald Cypress – Good in wet or dry zones
Southern Magnolia – Gorgeous and tough
Crape Myrtle – Doesn’t mind the heat one bit

Heat-Strugglers:

Red Maple – Pretty, but not built for dry spells
Bradford Pear – Looks nice, splits easily
Cherry Trees – Not fans of the humidity
Queen Palms – Popular but needy

🔗 Florida Trees Guide – UF IFAS

Looks Can Be Deceiving: Green ≠ Healthy

You’d be surprised how many trees look fine but are hollow inside. We’ve seen trunks so weak they crumple in a stiff breeze, but outside? All leafy and proud.

Things a certified arborist will catch:

Hollowing inside
Fungal growth at the base
Root flare hiding problems
Cracks where you didn’t think to check
Internal rot with a mallet

This is the kind of stuff that saves you from dealing with a fallen tree after a storm.

How Often Should Trees Be Checked?

If you live in Florida, at least once a year — no question. Ideally:

Right before hurricane season
After major storms
Anytime something just seems “off”
If construction or landscaping is happening nearby

Free Tree Tools Worth Bookmarking

How to Identify Tree Stress – Arbor Day Foundation
Urban Tree Risk Assessment – UF IFAS
Florida Trees Identification Guide (PDF)

These are worth a glance even if you’re not a tree nerd — they help you know what to look for.

Here’s What a Real Arborist Visit Looks Like

We don’t show up with clipboards and leave you confused. Here’s how it works:

We walk your property with you
Tap trunks, inspect roots, check health
Look at light, moisture, airflow
Recommend what’s needed (trimming, feeding, treatment — or nothing)

We don’t oversell. Sometimes a tree just needs a good long drink and a little air.

Final Word: Care for Your Trees Before They Scream for Help

Florida doesn’t give trees a break — so don’t wait until something falls to deal with it.

These trees shade your home, protect your roof, frame your yard — they’re worth keeping healthy. Whether you’ve got a 60-foot oak or a couple of palms out front, we’re here to help them thrive.