My husband and I just bought our place 2 months ago, we live in Lakeland, FL. The person who sold us the place cut all the trees in the property. We have 1/2 acre in a subdivision, and we own a double-wide mobile home. We wanted one or more trees maybe in the frontyard, some tree that makes good shade on the trailer, and also possible with flowers or even fruit. What do you suggest?

Although not a flowering tree, the Florida Live Oak will provide plenty of shade. The leaves are evergreen but more are held in warm months and fewer are held during winter.

You can read more here:

http://mgonline.com/liveoak.html

I think a Live Oak is native to your area and is a great shade tree

Magnolia would be nice - shade plus flowers

I'm a born and raised floridian, be carefule with fruit trees because they can get that canker, and the county will cut it down. Also you say you live in a trailer, don't plant any trees too close because if the leaves fall on the roof it will rot. Also if there is a hurricane the tree can fall on the roof and crush a trailer. I was in Andrew and lost my roof from wind and my neighbor had a tree land in there bedroom. These are things you have to be aware of, choose a tree that the roots are as deep as the branches are as long. Every one wants a nice tree in there yard by there house but it really isn't the brightest thing to do. And don't get one of those fast growning trees that have vines because the root system travels everywhere and will wreck your plumbing, driveway, sidewalk and everything. I don't mean to be negative but these are all things to consider.

Poison Ivy? I think you can take that for what it's worth.

Apple trees will not thrive and bear fruit in Lakeland, FL. It's too hot.

Sycamore trees also need a wetter, cooler climate. Plus, you want to stay away from anything that grows quickly. Fast growing trees have surface roots that will ruin the yard underneath.

A magnolia is a nice tree, and will grow in a warmer climate. They tend to grow more up than out, but will provide shade.

Also try a southern oak, or a live oak. Both are slow growing, but have a faster rate of growth than most people realize. They are the ultimate shade tree, and have the low creeping branches that you see whenever they try to put the charm of the Old South into pictures. Typically they only grow - in the wild - from Charleston to Savannah, but if you foster it may be fine.

I think its called poison ivy

I like Sycamore. They grow fast and have a wonderful shade pattern.

try and ash tree they grow faster than most other trees and provide great shade.

Plant an apple tree you can have a snack!