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

Sparkleberry
Sparkleberry can reach heights up to 20 feet tall, and grows well in full sun to partial shade. This tree can have a single or multiple trunks, and naturally grows in a twisting habit that is visually appealing. The bark of the Sparkleberry tree is pale gray with areas that peel away to reveal a coppery red. Sparkleberry trees bear small black berry-like fruit in the summer that is popular with songbirds and squirrels. Requests for this understory tree may be limited to those residents with overhead utility conflicts.

Swamp Chestnut Oak
Swamp Chestnut Oak can reach heights of 50 - 60 feet, with a similar width when grown in the open. The glossy green leaves are quite large, up to 8 inches in length, with wavy serrations along the leaf margin. Fall color is good with foliage turning a deep red-brown just before leaf drop. Swamp Chestnut Oaks are best known for the large acorns they produce that are a favorite with many animals.

Ironwood
Ironwood can reach heights up to 30 feet, with a similar canopy width. The small leaves are light green and elliptical in shape. Fall color is good with foliage turning yellow-orange before leaf drop. The tree has inconspicuous blooms, followed by small brown fruit that is favored by songbirds. The bark of the Ironwood is smooth and gray which accentuates the muscular looking trunk and branches.

Blackgum
Blackgum can reach heights of 60 feet, but the canopy spread ranges between 20 feet to 30 feet giving this species has a pleasing symmetrical pyramidal shape. The medium green leaves are deciduous, turning a deep purple color in the fall prior to leaf drop. People often confuse the blackgum for sweetgum, and believe they produce the dreaded spiky ‘gumballs’. There is no relation between the two, and the fruit produced by blackgum is a small black drupe that is popular with songbirds.