Plant Your Roots with Leon County's Annual Adopt-A-Tree Program

Leon County Government invites the community to grow its roots and apply now for a free tree to be planted on their unincorporated Leon County property through the County's Adopt-A-Tree Program. The program is open to all unincorporated Leon County residents.

Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2026, at LeonCountyFL.gov/AdoptATree on a first-come, first-served basis. When applying, residents may select the “delivery only” 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.

Beginning in February 2026, Leon County will commence tree deliveries and planting for county residents. This year, residents can select from three native species:

• PawPaw, a small deciduous tree that typically matures to a height of 20 feet with a unique drooping appearance and a colorful display of yellow leaves in autumn with vibrant flowers in the springtime.
• Blackgum, a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 80 feet tall with some of the first buds in spring and leaves that turn a beautiful deep purple in the fall.
• American Elm, a large, long-living deciduous shade tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall featuring an elegant vase-shaped crown with a symmetrical canopy that can spread up to 60 feet wide.

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 4,600 trees 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.

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

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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