I’m new here, but I live in SW FL as well. Nice to see your setup!
I have a pair of Aldabra both not quite yearlings yet. Contemplating an outdoor area for them.
keeping them penned up out on the lanai so they are safe from predators. Lots of those down here. Hawks,
Raccoon, Rat, dogs and cats...
The Cypress Mulch is not a bad thing to swap out when you can. I use it around trees so nothing is wasted, even the waste is not wasted
No I have not seen any unusually nice Tree growth but it makes me feel good.