Hurricanes have left lasting scars on our landscapes in recent years, and Arbor Month 2025 offers us an opportunity to heal and rebuild by replanting the trees that are so essential to our communities. We are grateful to the Florida Forest Service for a generous grant, which has enabled us to distribute more trees than ever before, with over 250 3G trees planned for distribution in 2025! Sarasota County is hosting six educational hour long workshops to help residents learn about the best trees for our region and how to plant and care for them. Each workshop will also feature a tree giveaway, location specific for carefully chosen native tree species that are selected for a mixture of wind-resistance, wildlife value, and aesthetics. With workshops held throughout the county and at various times throughout the week, we hope everyone will have the opportunity to plant for a greener tomorrow!
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these workshops are designed to equip you with the knowledge to restore our urban canopy. Learn from experts about planting techniques, tree care, and the unique benefits of each tree species. At the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a tree that will thrive in our local environment.
The Trees: Manageable and Beautiful
Each tree species we’re offering has been selected for its ability to thrive in Sarasota County’s climate while offering valuable environmental and aesthetic benefits. Here’s a closer look at the five trees you can expect to receive:
Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum)
The Fiddlewood is a small, nearly everblooming tree that attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrant white flowers. Its dense evergreen foliage provides year-round beauty and shelter for wildlife, making it an excellent addition to your landscape. Fiddlewood’s manageable size and ability to thrive in coastal conditions make it perfect for Sarasota County. Mature size: 12–20 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide. Beneficial traits: Bee and butterfly attractor, fragrant flowers, dense evergreen foliage, and wind-resistant.
UF/IFAS on Fiddlewood: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP130
FNPS on Fiddlewood: https://www.fnps.org/plant/citharexylum-spinosum
Natives for your Neighborhood on Fiddlewood: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Cithspin
Strongbark (Bourreria succulenta)
A highly wind-resistant tree, Strongbark is known for its stunning white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer and its ability to support a variety of wildlife. Its flowers are favored by many butterflies and hummingbirds. The tree’s weeping branches are often loaded with berries that attract birds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardeners. It thrives in coastal conditions and is resilient against storms. Mature size: 15–25 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide. Beneficial traits: Wind-resistant, attracts birds and butterflies, ornamental white flowers, and berries.
UF/IFAS on Strongbark: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2020/04/07/smaller-native-trees/
FNPS on Strongbark: https://www.fnps.org/plant/bourreria-succulenta
Natives for your Neighborhood on Strongbark: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Boursucc
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Red Maple is one of the most ornamental native trees in Florida. Its brilliant red flowers and new growth in the spring give way to vibrant red and orange foliage in the fall, making it a standout in any landscape. This tree is a great choice for adding seasonal color and beauty to your yard, and its moderate size makes it suitable for a range of planting sites. While drought tolerant, this tree can take wet spots and excels where many other trees drown. Mature size: 20–30 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide. Beneficial traits: beautiful springtime blooms, fall foliage color, moderate size, and wildlife value. (Learn more in our Red Maple blog)
UF/IFAS on Red Maple: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST041
FNPS on Red Maple: https://www.fnps.org/plant/acer-rubrum
Natives for your Neighborhood on Red Maple: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Acerrubr
Simpson Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
The Simpson Stopper is a small, evergreen tree that flourishes in the spring with a spectacular show of fragrant white flowers. Its wind-resistant nature and ability to thrive in coastal environments make it a fantastic choice for homeowners looking for an ornamental tree that requires little maintenance. The Simpson Stopper’s compact size makes it ideal for small yards or as a landscape accent. Mature size: 15–25 feet tall and 8–15 feet wide. Beneficial traits: Springtime bloomer, wind-resistant, evergreen foliage, and wildlife attractor.
UF/IFAS on Simpson Stopper: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/simpsons-stopper/
FNPS on Simpson Stopper: https://www.fnps.org/plant/myrcianthes-fragrans
Natives for your Neighborhood on Simpson Stopper: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Myrcfrag
Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)
Silver Buttonwood is a highly ornamental and salt-tolerant tree, often called Florida’s “fourth mangrove” due to its ability to withstand coastal conditions. With its silvery-gray leaves and attractive form, it adds a distinctive look to any landscape. This tree is perfect for areas affected by saltwater or near coastal environments. Mature size: 15–20 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide. Beneficial traits: Salt-tolerant, ornamental, wind-resistant, and great for coastal landscapes.
UF/IFAS on Silver Buttonwood: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST180
FNPS on Silver Buttonwood: https://www.fnps.org/plant/conocarpus-erectus
Natives for your Neighborhood on Silver Buttonwood: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Conoerec
Workshop Dates & Tree Pickup Locations
Join us for one of the six workshops to learn more about these trees and receive your very own tree. Each workshop is hosted at a different location across Sarasota County. Check out the list below and register today:
- North Port Library – 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port, 34287
Tree: Red Maple
Date: April 2nd, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1059921476669 - Elsie Quirk Library – 100 W Dearborn St., Englewood, 34223
Tree: Silver Buttonwood
Date: April 11th, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1237528774879 - Betty J. Johnson Library – 2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota, 34234
Tree: Simpson Stopper
Date: April 14th, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1237562545889 -
Venice Island Library – 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, 34285
Tree: Silver Buttonwood
Date: April 18th, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1237530540159 - Webinar with Pickup at UF/IFAS Extension Office – 6700 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 34241
Tree: 20 of each five species
Date: April 25th, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1237569767489 - Arbor Day! at UF/IFAS Extension Office – 6700 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 34241
Tree: Fiddlewood
Date: April 26th, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1237552104659
Registration & Special Offer
To register, please email kkennedy@scgov.net for a special promo code to attend for free! We only ask for a small fee to prevent bots from taking up spots. When you register, you’ll receive your tree at the workshop and gain the knowledge to help it thrive in your landscape. We can’t wait to see you there as we work together to replant and revitalize our community!
Let’s make Arbor Month 2025 a time to remember by planting trees that will sustain us, our wildlife, and our environment for years to come!
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