Adopt-a-Tree

City residents may request up to two trees, to be planted in the front yard within 100’ of the centerline of the roadway, within the City limits, and agree to keep each tree watered for one (1) year.

Here are some guidelines:

• You must be a City resident to participate in the Adopt-a-Tree program. Unfortunately, Leon County residents who reside outside City limits may not request trees at this time.
• Tree species and quantities are limited; no more than two trees per address.
• City personnel will visit each site prior to planting. We will provide marking flags and assist with tree selection and location.
• Note: The City of Tallahassee reserves the right to substitute another variety of tree if the one selected is not suitable for the selected site.

Thinking of adopting a tree, but want to know in advance what will be required of you afterwards? Check out our informational brochure (PDF). (We'll hang a copy of the brochure on the door of everyone who orders a tree)

Types of Trees Available for Adoption

Green Ash trees have an oval-shaped canopy that will reach a maximum height of 60 feet with a spread of 40 feet. Foliage is a bright, glossy green color that will turn yellow prior to autumn leaf drop. The seeds, though copious, are inconspicuous. One to two seeds are housed in a thin papery husk and is a good food source for song birds. Ash trees are both drought and flood tolerant and will grow in a wide variety of soil types.

East Palatka Holly trees are an evergreen understory species that will grow to a maximum height of 40 feet with a 10 to 15-foot spread. The canopy is pyramidal in shape with attractive dark green glossy foliage. The flowers in the spring are not showy but are a great nectar source for pollinators. In the winter holly fruit matures to a beautiful bright red that is favored by songbirds and squirrels. Holly trees are a durable species that are drought tolerant once established.

Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen conifer with a pyramidal shaped canopy that reaches a maximum height of 50 feet, and a spread of 25 feet. The dense canopy is comprised of fine textured, scale-like needles that are medium to silvery green in color. Cedars produce a small cone that is less than half an inch in length and has the appearance of a purplish blue berry. Songbirds love cedar fruit, and the dense vegetation provides ideal nesting habitat. This tree is also a popular choice for blocking undesirable views or screening for privacy due to the density of the canopy.

Overcup Oak is a deciduous oak species with a symmetrical, rounded canopy that typically grow to 40 feet in height with a 30-foot canopy spread. The deeply lobed, darker green leaves turn coppery red in the fall just prior to leaf drop. The acorns for this species are small, usually a half inch to an inch in length and are not as messy as acorns of other oak species. Overcup oaks can be grown in a wide variety of soil types, tolerating both dry and wet sites.