2024 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:

River Birch, a deciduous tree, grows to 80-100ft at maturity and is typically a multi-stem tree, or it has multiple slender trunks. The bark can vary in color and has loose layers of curling, paper thin scales mainly when young. During autumn, the leaves turn yellow and during the late spring, it has tiny winged seeds. The flowers of the River birch are called catkins The River Birch is typically found along streams and poorly drained soils, but is also used in landscapes as erosion control. While it is tolerant of acidic soils and excessive water, the seeds will not germinate without a large amount of direct sunlight. The River birch is a favorite of many types of birds that use the seeds a food source and deer have been known to graze on saplings.

The Sweetbay Magnolia is multi-stemmed evergreen tree for our area and has a mature height range of 20 - 35 ft. The creamy white flowers have a vanilla type scent that can be noticed several hundred yards away. The bark is smooth and gray and has a scent reminiscent of the bay laurel spice, which is how it got it’s name. The Sweetbay is an attractive ornamental tree found in gardens and parks grown for its large, conspicuous scented flowers and fast growth (13 to 24 inches per year). It is tolerant of wet, boggy sites and low areas in a landscape. It needs on average at least 6 hours of direct sun light daily.

Eastern Red Cedar is a slow growing evergreen tree that can reach up to 65 ft on average. While slow growing, it is long lived - the oldest tree reported was 940 years old! The seeds are a dark purple-blue and is an important winter food source for birds. The bark is reddish brown and shreds easily, peeling off in thin, narrow strips. The Eastern Red Cedar tends to outcompete grasses, creating bare spots, due to it’s dense low branches and wide base. The needles that fall can raise the pH of the soils, which makes it harder for other plants to absorb. It also benefits from increased carbon dioxide levels. This tree is a great buffer tree and wind break, as they thrive in adverse conditions. They are tolerant of both drought and cold, grow well in rocky, sandy and clay soils, with little competition.

Use the form below to submit your request. Questions can be emailed to adoptatree@talgov.com or answered by calling 850-891-5450.