F.A.S.T. Program

F.A.S.T Program
(Future Altamonte Springs Trees)

The City of Altamonte Springs has always understood the importance and benefits of a healthy urban forest. The City has maintained its "Tree City U.S.A." status for 21 years by meeting strict requirements and promoting a comprehensive forestry program. The City also understands that mature trees contribute to increasing property values, and that the welcoming shade and bird sanctuaries provided by trees are also associated with an improved quality of life.  With these factors in mind, the City is pleased to announce the implementation of the F.A.S.T (Future Altamonte Springs Trees) Program.   

The recent hurricanes dramatically -- and negatively -- impacted our urban forest. The F.A.S.T. program is designed to efficiently replenish the City's trees by planting trees in the right of ways along roads which front the properties of Altamonte Springs residents. Through a grant from the Florida Division of Forestry and matching funds from the City of Altamonte Springs, the Urban Beautification Department will purchase assorted varieties of one hundred and fifty 30-gallon trees to plant throughout the City.   To jump-start the growth process, the new trees will be approximately seven feet tall at the time of planting.

If you would like to receive additional information or if you would like to participate in this program, please call the City of Altamonte Springs Urban Beautification Division. The City Arborist will meet with you to review the planting site and assist you in selecting the right tree for the location. Then, a few weeks later, the Urban Beautification Department will plant the tree in the predetermined location. The resident will be given a tree care guide and be responsible for watering and fertilizing the tree until it is established.  This program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Trees benefit everyone and the F.A.S.T Program will ensure that Altamonte Springs maintains a healthy urban forest for future generations. We will take tree orders from October 1st thru July 1st. Planting is scheduled to begin in August, so order early!

RECOMMENDED TREES

CANOPY TREES:

Live Oak - Slow grower, very adaptable, mature height 40'-60'. Tolerant of city conditions. Broad spreading evergreen tree.  This tree prefers full sun.

Shumard Oak - Moderate to rapid grower, very adaptable, mature height 40'-60'. Upright deciduous tree that perfers full sun.

Magnolia - Slow grower, very adaptable, mature height 40'-60'. Large white flowers in March through May. Upright evergreen tree that perfers full sun.

Drake Elm - Rapid grower, deciduous, mature height 40'-70'. Vase like shape tree that perfers partial shade to full sun.

Red Maple - Rapid grower, deciduous tree with excellent red blooms in mid to late April.  This tree reaches 30'-50' in height.

UNDERSTORY TREES:

Crape Myrtle - Moderate to rapid grower, deciduous, mature height 20'-30'. Flowers throughout the summer in a variety of colors. This tree prefers full sun.

Lil' Gem Magnolia - Slow grower, evergreen, mature height of 20'-30'. This tree prefers well-drained organic soils and full sun.

Golden Trumpet - Small flowering, deciduous tree with spectacular yellow flowers in the spring. Only moderately freeze tolerant. This tree has a mature height of 25'-35'.

Redbud - Small deciduous tree with pink blooms in early spring before leafing out. This tree has a mature height of 20'-30' with a 15'-30' spread.

Laurel Oak - A large, fast growing shade tree noted for its dense, oval canopy. This tree may reach 60' in height.

For more information please call Andy Capuano at (407) 571-8883 or email at ajcapuano@altamonte.org.