Adopt A Tree

2022 Adopt a Tree Program 

Every year, the City of Tallahassee provides and plants trees for eligible homeowners, in an effort to increase the urban forest canopy. The trees, depending on the species, are between 5 and 8 feet in height and are species native or cultivars of native species to the southeast. Eligible homeowners living within the City limits may request up to 2 trees to be planted in the front yard within 100’ of the centerline of the roadway and agree to keep each tree watered for one (1) year.

Tree species offered this year:

Black Gum is a slow-growing deciduous tree that can be found in varying locations - low wet woods, bottomlands, ponds but also dry rocky wooded areas and ravines. It has several other common names associated with it: Tupelo, Black Tupelo, or Sour Gum. It is an average growing canopy tree that can reach between 30-50’ tall but can get to 90’. During the spring, small, greenish-white flowers appear, which are an excellent resource for bees. This is an excellent shade tree for lawns and grows well in moist areas or low spots that tend to collect water. During the fall, foliage turns purple and eventually becomes an intense bright scarlet red. This is a favorite of deer, especially young saplings, and is an important food source for migrating birds.

American Sycamore is a showy tree with patterned white-grey bark that tends to flake off. It can growth to an enormous diameter, especially in its native habitat: one tree measured by George Washington was 13’ in diameter! It can reach heights of 75-90’ and quick growing. It tends to tolerate wet and compacted soils but does well in dryer areas too. During late spring, red clusters of flowers appear, and the fruit ball show up in the fall, remaining through the winter. This is a tree that will need plenty of space for growth and will also need attention to branches that may need corrective pruning.

Winged Elm is this year’s smallest growing tree with a top height average of 40-50’ but has been found to reach upwards of 90’ in certain habitats. It is a fast-growing deciduous tree, quickly identified by the corky, wing-like projections which appear on the opposite sides of twigs and branches. This tree can be found growing in wet sites as well as dry and prefers full to partial sun. During Autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow and in late winter, small red flowers mature in clusters. This is one of the most adaptable trees!

Thank your for your interest, unfortunately this year's program is now full!