Native Trees of the Soundside Community
The Soundside area has many elevations as you stroll along the numerous paths throughout our development. Some of the species that we would like to make note of in Soundside are listed below. We encourage incorporation of as many native trees, shrubs and vegetation as possible in the home site landscaping design. Most native species require very little maintenance and enhance berm areas.
Live Oak
The Live Oak is easily recognized by its evergreen leaves with edges curled under to make a boat-shape. The tree usually branches near the ground and was widely used in ship-building because of its lame, arching limbs. In the days of sailing ships it provided timbers for the ribs and knees of ships. Near the water, it is commonly deformed by wind and salt spray, forming a low, shrubby growth.
Sand Pine
Sand Pine is a small, common pine on coastal soils of Florida. It is recognized by the dark green needles, 2 to 3.5" long, found in bundles of two and by the cones which remain on the tree for several years.
Slash Pine
The Slash Pine is a straight tree, easily recognized by the bark pattern that is broken into large plates and covered with thin, papery orange colored scales. The needles are 6 to 8" long and come in bundles of 2 or 3. The wood and turpentine products are commercially important in the South.
Turkey Oak
Turkey Oak is an irregular tree or shrub with open crowns of crooked branches. It has large, nearly triangular leaves, spreading from point base into 4 to 8" long lobes. Prominent, veined leaves turn red before shedding in early winter. The wood chops and burns easily.
Scrub Oak
Scrub Oak is the same as Live Oak, but because of high soil drainage and harsh conditions, it never grows as tall as the Live Oak tree.