Local Landscaper Discusses Plant Substitutions Many things differ in Southwest Florida from what someone might experience in the Northeast, and landscaping is certainly one of them. Many people move from Northern states to the Sunshine State, and the unique climate and soil types can throw them for a loop when it comes to picking out plants to add to their landscape design. Luckily there is help available, our team has years of experience landscaping using the unique and beautiful plants which grow naturally in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. We are a full service landscape company, with teams specializing in designing, installing and maintaining landscaped areas. In this article, we will discuss some common plants which thrive in our area which can be used to replace comparable plants which are native to Northern states. Whether you’re looking for something to add visual appeal, create a natural barrier or become the centerpiece of your landscape design, there is likely a perfect match for your needs among the flora which thrives in this area. Palm Trees Replacing the oaks, pines and other large trees found in Northern states isn’t too difficult when you move to Florida. For a sturdy centerpiece for any landscape design, a palm tree encapsulates the Florida culture and can serve many of the same functions. While many people assume palm trees are all tall with a mass of leaves at the top, in actuality palm trees come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and heights, making them versatile enough to fill many roles in your landscape design. Bougainvillea Flowering plants such as azaleas thrive in the cooler temperatures to our North, but there are local shrubs and plants such as hibiscus and our personal favorite, bougainvillea, which can fill in admirably and provide the essential color your design needs to pop. Bougainvillea is a native plant which thrives in salty soil which is commonly found in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. It also prefers plenty of sunlight and will give off the same appearance as azaleas, featuring numerous colorful (typically pink) flowers which can be present for long periods of time. Citrus Trees Accent trees such as dogwoods, redbuds, flowering cherry trees and more are often used in landscape design in cooler climates, so why not turn to a local favorite which can serve a similar purpose in Florida: a Citrus Tree. Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits and Oranges can all thrive in Southwest Florida, they produce beautiful flowers and, as a bonus, they grow delicious fruit. If you’re looking for the ideal accent tree, you can’t go wrong with a tree which grows fruit, loves the sunlight and can grow in salty soil. While these represent just a few of the options you have as a new homeowner in Fort Myers, they should get you started in designing your ideal space. If you decide you need some assistance from local pros, our team is ready to help. Give us a call today and we can evaluate your landscaping needs and provide an ideal solution.