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Adopt-A-Tree Program

A tree with green wood texture. Leon County Adopt a Tree Program

Leon County is proud to offer the 2024 Adopt-A-Tree Program. Applications are now being accepted through January 31, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you live inside Leon County but outside of Tallahassee city limits, you may qualify to have a tree planted on your property for free. With a goal of planting 200 trees in honor of the Tallahassee-Leon County bicentennial in 2024, Leon County is encouraging residents to be a part of this green endeavor.

Residents will have the option to have a tree delivered to their residence for planting at their convenience. This project provides an enjoyable and educational experience for the entire family, and comprehensive instructions for tree planting and care will be provided upon tree delivery. For those who prefer assistance with tree planting, County staff is available to assist upon request; just choose the "delivery and plant" option.

If you agree to water the tree three times a week for one year, Leon County will plant the tree anywhere between your house and any publicly maintained road or any privately maintained road with public access. To learn more about tree care, click here. To find other tree resources, click here.

species-choices

Eastern RedbudCercis canadensis, is a small deciduous tree that typically reaches 20 feet in height with gracefully ascending branches and a rounded shape. Its heart-shaped leaves start reddish and turn green, with a beautiful yellowish hue in the autumn. Ideal for gardens, it can be used in small groupings, as specimens, or for patios. It thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade, making it particularly attractive in woodlands and naturalized gardens.

Full Form Eastern Redbud Courtesy of UFIFAS

Winged ElmUlmus alata, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, often reaching 40 to 60 feet in height with a diameter of 1 to 2 feet. Notably, it features corky, wing-like projections on twigs and branches. Winged Elm prefers full to partial sun and can adapt to various soil types, including loam, clay, sand, or rocky soil.

Winged Elm courtesy of UFIFAS

Southern MagnoliaMagnolia grandiflora, is a large, majestic evergreen native to North America. It can grow up to 80 feet in height and boasts saucer-shaped, fragrant flowers. With a dense, dark green pyramidal shape, this tree is a striking addition to bottomlands and moist wooded areas in the southeastern coastal plains. Magnolias are one of the world's oldest known tree species.

Southern Magnolia courtesy of UFIFAS

Tree Care

To ensure your tree gets a strong start, consistent watering is crucial.

For the first two weeks after transplanting, provide three gallons of water daily. Following this initial period, water the tree two to three times each week throughout the growing season, increasing water intake during droughts. As your tree matures, apply two to three gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter over the root ball, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Maintain a mulch layer around your tree that extends at least three feet in width. This minimizes competition from turf roots and weeds, safeguarding your tree from potential damage by lawn equipment. The mulch should be two to three inches deep and situated four inches away from the tree trunk. You can expand the mulch ring as your tree grows.

Avoid the use of lawn or weed chemicals and herbicides around the tree. Fertilization is unnecessary. Fertilization is not required. Pruning is not recommended in the first three years, except in the case of broken, dead, or diseased branches.

Residents residing within the Tallahassee city limits are encouraged to explore the City of Tallahassee's Adopt-A-Tree program by visiting Talgov.com/AdoptATree.


The sign-up for the Adopt-a-Tree program has ended.  Please fill out the form below to be notified of the next sign-up.

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