Actually, HD/Lowes seeks the very best they can find,, The issue is the terms they demand they don't get the best product that's on the market. I don't know about there in FL but here in Arizona they have to import from Calif. importing from CA isn't a bad thing per say except most (if not all) growers in CA don't use the rootstocks that produce well in AZ. On top of that HD demands the supplier to "Buy Back" all inventory, (dead material/damaged ect. ect.) and they only pay the supplier for the items that clear the cash register, that means HD/Lowes could give a damn less if the tree lives or not. We've been producing fruit for over 30 years and just simply won't sell to them..

Marksgirl, Here in central Florida my lemons (Meyer) do ok in the winter. The trees have seen as low as 22 degrees and survived though they did suffer some damage. Most years we get 3-5 frosts and a couple of nights that drop down to the upper 20's and other than some tip burn tolerate it well and bear abundant fruit. The freezes seem to be much more injurious than the frost as the freezes cause the trees bark to split. The oranges are tougher and as a rule don't sustain damage. My limes on the other hand screamed and dropped dead:) Now I did not protect my trees but you can use a few misters in the branches and that will protect the tree on those cold nights from the increased warm air or if it is cold enough will wrap the tree in a blanket of ice. You can also use misters on the ground and the warmer than air water will provide some protection as the heat from the water rises. You can also plant the tree closer to the house and the house will help it some also.

I am looking for a evergreen tree to plant near a swimming Pool. What I am look for : 1- Has some canopy to provide shade, 2- low litter, has no or very small amount of flowering, no fruit. Will accept minimal amount of litter. 3- Small to medium size, so it does not damage pipes and deck. 4- Prefer drought resistant types. After research, I have ruled out palms and giant bird of paradise, for they don't provide canopy and shade. I have narrowed down to three , and will to pick one for least amount of litter Australian Willow (Geijera parviflora) Bronze Loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) ; fruitless Shoestring Acacia Does anyone had planted those trees near pool? What was your experience with those trees' drops and littering I live in S. California Thank you very much. Monkeyta

"Best" is of course highly subjective. A couple of ideas off the top of my head: Geraldton wax flower, Chamlaucium uncinatum Australian tea tree, Leptospermum - several species. Named varieties will tend to be smaller. Carefully research mature height before purchase. I think of these as shrubs, but the "airy" description and ultimate height suit your needs. Both will tolerate dry periods once established. Water weekly after planting for 2 years or until plant is well established. These will do best in full sun. Alternatively, if you prefer something more vertical with a bare trunk and foliage up top, I can recommend specific palms if you describe your climate in greater detail. Coastal, inland, fog, dry, cool winter? What is your garden style?