Need recomendation for FL planting

[pancake]

I have a friend in FL between Tampa and Orlando who is looking to plant trees for shading belay stations at a ropes course. A faster growth rate would be nice, and able to withstand some abuse, mainly soil compaction from foot traffic. The area was devestated by recent hurricanes, so these trees are basically filling the gaps until planted natives can return to glory. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[NickfromWI]

Jacaranda? Ficus?

 

[mdvaden]

You want evergreen or deciduous.

Only had to read your post to rule out Crape Myrtle.

These going to be individuals or groves?

 

[pancake]

Individuals or small groups. Would you still rule out Crape Myrtle if the root zone could be protected from foot traffic?

 

[tomthetreeman]

Keith-

Check out Moringa oleifera. I have some friends in Cozumel who planted these from seed a few months after hurricane Wilma (Oct 2005), and they are now 35+ feet tall, 10" dbh. Cozumel is not too far from South FL as the crow flies, should be the same or similar hardiness zone.

-Tom

 

[tomthetreeman]

I just did the math on that, and I can't believe they grew that big that fast. I saw them a year ago and they were well over 30 feet... I'm thinking he planted them before that, and cut them back to the trunk before the storm. I am going to send an email to get a better idea of how old they are. Will report back.

-Tom

 

[mdvaden]

I was just thinking that Crape Myrtle might be too small for shade needs - like too slow growing.

When we were one state north in Georgia, there were some decent size ones, but I'm not sure how old they were.

Pretty slow out west though.

 

[tomthetreeman]

I just got a response from my friend in MX about the Moringa. He did indeed plant them from seed in November/December of 2005. So they are just over 3 years old and about 30 feet tall. I thought they were a little bit taller, but still, 10 feet per year from seed is pretty much off the charts.

-Tom