2024/2025 Adopt a Tree Program

Every year, the City of Tallahassee provides and plants trees for eligible homeowners to help cultivate 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 public roadway and agree to keep each tree watered for one (1) year.

Due to the vast destruction of neighborhood tree canopies during the May 10 tornados, an enhanced program is available during this program year for residents with properties located between Tennessee Street/Mahan Drive and Orange Avenue. Homeowners in these areas will be eligible to request up to five trees. All other requirements of the regular Adopt a Tree program apply.

City staff will assist the homeowner with tree placement and installation. Tree planting will begin in December, and trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your application in quickly!

Tree species offered this year:

Black Gum is a slow-growing deciduous tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands, ponds, dry rocky wooded areas and ravines. It has several other common names associated with it: Tupelo, Black Tupelo or Sour Gum. It has an average growing canopy and can reach between 30-50 feet tall, though some have reached 90 feet in height. 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, the foliage turns purple, eventually becoming an intense, bright scarlet red. This is a favorite of deer, especially young saplings, and is an important food source for migrating birds.

American Hornbeam is a medium-sized, slow-growing tree with leaves that turn a beautiful red-orange color during fall. This tree likes moist soil and does well in heavy shade but does not tolerate drought or soil compaction. It would be a great candidate for a rain garden! The wood is tough and was once used to make bowls, tool handles and ox yokes by early Americans. It is wildlife-friendly and a perfect pollinator and food source for mammals and birds.

Southern Red Cedar, similar to the Eastern Red Cedar, is a very low-maintenance species, great for privacy screening and windbreaks in yards. It’s not a cedar (despite its name) and doesn’t have that classic aroma, but it is the ultimate outdoor Christmas tree all year. It is a tall growing tree - about 40 feet in height - and does need some spacing between itself and other plants or buildings (between 6 to 10 feet). This tree does best in full to partial sun and well-drained soils, and it tends to be drought tolerant once established.

Southern Magnolia, the tree queen of the South, is an evergreen known for its leathery green leaves and large white flowers (sometimes up to 12 inches in diameter). It is a fast-growing species that can grow to 50 feet or more and is a popular ornamental and shade tree. Due to its dense canopy and dark shade, planting other plants beneath a mature tree is difficult and the fallen leaves can be messy, so give this tree plenty of room to grow. Pruning is recommended after blooming during the growing season; they do not heal well when dormant. They like moist soil (but not overly wet) and partial sun but may need protection from winter winds before establishment.

East Palatka Holly was initially discovered growing wild near East Palatka, Florida, in 1927. It’s a hybrid of other hollies and can be found throughout the southeastern United States. It’s a rare variety of holly in that it has a weeping appearance. It is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in compacted areas, like along sidewalks. It is a favorite among landscape architects and designers due to its uniformity. It needs well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning is best during the winter to maintain the desired shape and size.

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