DEADLINE EXTENDED: Grow A Greener Tomorrow with County's Annual Adopt-A-Tree Program

Leon County Government is once again offering County residents the opportunity to plant a tree on unincorporated Leon County properties for free through its Adopt-A-Tree Program.

The deadline for the program has been extended to Monday, February 17, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at LeonCountyFL.gov/AdoptATree. When applying, residents may select the “delivery only” option if they prefer to plant the tree at their own convenience. For those in need of assistance, Leon County staff will be available to aid with tree placement and installation for those who choose the "delivery and plant" option.

Starting in Spring 2025, Leon County will commence tree deliveries and planting for county residents. This year, residents can select from two native species:

• Riverbirch, a medium-sized tree that may grow 50 to 90 feet tall and normally grows with a central leader and small-diameter, dark-colored lateral branches
• Shumard Oak, a large, stately tree with a narrow, rather open, rounded canopy, somewhat reminiscent of red oak. 

The act of planting native trees and other vegetation plays a crucial role in safeguarding our natural ecosystem by providing essential habitat and sustenance for native insects, birds, and other creatures that call Leon County home. To ensure the successful establishment of these new trees, the County encourages homeowners to water the tree three times a week for one year. The tree can be planted anywhere between a house and any publicly or privately maintained road with public access.

Since 2007, through the Adopt-A-Tree Program, Leon County has planted more than 4,800 trees in nearly 250 neighborhoods, allowing citizens to enhance the beauty and value of their properties and communities. The Adopt-a-Tree Program is one of the County’s many ways to protect our local ecosystem and value our environment and natural beauty as a vital component of our community’s health, economic strength and social offerings.

To participate in the program, interested County residents can register at LeonCountyFL.gov/AdoptATree by Monday, February 17, 2025.

For more details, contact Dean Richards, Leon County Public Works, at (850) 606-1400 / RichardsD@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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