Each tree has its preferred cultural needs: different tolerances to salt and pollution, and vastly different soil and water requirements. The first challenge is to choose a tree that is Florida-friendly and well suited to our semi-tropical climate. Following that, the goal is to plant that tree in a specific location that gives it the greatest chance for survival over the long term. Citywide, available water and the soil, as well as sun exposure and available space, differs from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Trees planted in the wrong place often lead to serious problems:

• Clogged sewers, cracked sidewalks, damaged infrastructure, and blocked views leading to safety hazards. They can even dangerously conflict with overhead power lines.
• In addition to choosing the right tree for our climate and your conditions, you should also select a specific space that provides plenty of room for proper root and branch establishment. Resources such as the Arbor Day Foundation's shape guide can help.

How do I Properly Plant a Tree?

1. Carry your tree carefully
   Always carry your tree by the container and not by the trunk. Lifting it by the trunk could damage the root system, or snap the tree's central leader.
2. Select the proper planting site
   Know what kind of tree you are planting. Give it room to grow. Don’t plant a large or medium size tree under or near utility lines or streetlights. A good rule of thumb is to envision the tree 10 years from now and locate it as if it was that size now! Also note that a City ROW permit will be required prior to any installation of trees/palms within the public ROW area and not solely within private property. 
3. Before you dig, call Sunshine 811
   It takes approximately three days to get the utility line locations marked, but it’s worth the wait to avoid damaging your water, cable, electric or telephone lines, and to protect personal safety.
4. Prepare the planting hole
   The root ball should sit about two to three inches above final grade when planted. Loosen soil three to five times the diameter of the container. Soil amendments such as organic mulch etc. can be installed at the time of planting, and are especially important if you have rocky/poor quality soil.
5. Prepare the tree
   Remove the tree from the container gently. Laying the tree down on its side and squeezing the container a few times will sometimes loosen the pot so that it will slide off.
6. Inspect the root ball
   Trees with severely girdled roots should be returned/rejected upon discover. If circling roots are left in place, they will continue to enlarge in that pattern after the tree has been planted. For minor or small girdling issues, gently separate the circling roots. Cut exceptionally long roots and guide them outward. The tiny root tips that absorb water and minerals for the tree die off quickly when exposed to light and air, so do this step quickly.
7. Position the tree
   Place the tree in the center of the planting hole with the top of the root ball about two to three inches higher than the surrounding soil surface. Remember – Planting too deeply can cause a tree to die years after it was planted.