Adopt-a-Tree Program

Leon County is proud to offer the 2027 Adopt-A-Tree Program. Applications are now being accepted through January 31, 2027, 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. 

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, visit the City of Tallahassee's urban forestry page. To find other tree resources, visit the UF/IFAS Extension website.

The Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis, is known for its striking floral display at the start of spring. Eastern Redbuds can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet with a 25-foot spread and a lifespan of 30 years. Redbuds thrive in full sun or partial shade and generally require minimal care. In general, these trees prefer sites with light, rich, moist soil, but are very adaptable and can even flourish in sandy and alkaline soils along dry ridges or wet banks.

Sweetbay Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana, well-known in the South for their eye-catching white blossoms, is an evergreen or deciduous tree reaching up to 100 feet tall. These large, creamy white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and produce a pleasing lemon scent. Sweetbay Magnolias are typically found in wetland areas and thrive in full sun or partial shade, preferably in a rich, acidic soil. Be sure to water it at least twice weekly for the first few months.

Live Oaks, Quercus virginiana, are peppered across north Florida creating beautiful sprawling tree canopies reaching up to 60-80 feet tall and 60-120 feet wide. Live Oaks, a staple of Florida, provide many ecosystem services and are sturdy, wind-resistant trees. These trees are ideal shade trees and prefer lots of room to accommodate their mature size. When planting, choose a location with full sun or partial shade with moist, acidic soil of sand, loam, or clay. Be sure to leave enough room away from curbs, sidewalks, or driveways as roots may eventually grow large enough to lift or even crack surfaces. Yearly pruning for the first five years is advised.

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 application deadline for the Adopt-a-Tree program is January 31, 2027.  Please fill out the form below to secure a tree.