Question
Is there an easy maintenance tree, possibly with flowers,that is suitable for the Ocala, FL area?  The Live Oak is too large for the available space and, additionally, the maintenance of raking the Live Oak leaves is too much for an older person to keep up with. I read that there are only twelve trees recommended for this area and I need to identify those trees, and I also need some info on those trees so as to make a "better" choice.  Being from the north and not knowing any better, a fruit tree was planted and the freeze of last winter killed it.  Will a Crab Apple tree grow in this area or are our hot summers too much for  such a tree?

Cindy

Answer
I would suggest that you contact the Florida Division of Forestry and ask one of their Foresters the best tree for your situation. You can explain to them the size of the area and what you would like in a tree. They will know the best tree for you. Here is the contact web page for their offices.

http://www.fl-dof.com/field_operations/county_foresters/index.html