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The Daily Insight

Is it OK to cut down a carrotwood tree?

Author

David Ramirez

Published May 31, 2026

Is it OK to cut down a carrotwood tree?

The carrotwood’s roots seem to be very hungry and grass and other plants have a hard time competing with them (the roots can also ruin sidewalks nearby), so removing it is probably the best option. Some say that the seed pods or the seeds of carrotwood also kill the grass. If you keep the tree, try to remove all the seedpods that fall.

What can I use as a substitute for carrotwood in Florida?

Many native trees make good landscape substitutes for carrotwood. In southern Florida, alternatives include paradise tree (Simarouba glauca), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), and inkwood (Exothea paniculata).

How tall does a carrotwood tree get to be?

The carrotwood, so-called because its wood is orange under the b. ark, is not a classic shade tree – but at its mature height of more than 30 feet it will definitely block the sun. It is a reasonably clean tree but may produce nuisance fruit.

Can a carrotwood tree survive in the Cold?

Cold tolerance may limit its potential distribution. According to one reference, carrotwood is able to withstand temperatures to about 22 F (-6 C). Test specimens in northern Florida, however, have withstood winters at least that cold.

The carrotwood’s roots seem to be very hungry and grass and other plants have a hard time competing with them (the roots can also ruin sidewalks nearby), so removing it is probably the best option. Some say that the seed pods or the seeds of carrotwood also kill the grass. If you keep the tree, try to remove all the seedpods that fall.

Many native trees make good landscape substitutes for carrotwood. In southern Florida, alternatives include paradise tree (Simarouba glauca), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), and inkwood (Exothea paniculata).

What kind of tree is a carrotwood tree?

Carrotwood Tree Care. This lovely little tree looks light and airy and makes a well-behaved street tree. It’s right at home growing in the lawn as a specimen or providing light shade for a patio. Slow growth and limited size means that it won’t take over small yards.

Is the mango tree growing on a carrotwood tree?

Mango tree planted on former site of carrotwood tree not thriving. I couldn’t find anything in my research to suggest that the carrotwood tree was allelopathic, so let’s talk about your mango tree and see what is happening with that. How old is the tree?