Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
This oak is found growing wild in low-lying and swampy areas – often moist bottomlands or riverbanks. But it grows just as well in an urban or suburban setting, with tolerance to compacted soil and drought. This tree grows in a rounded shape and features dark green deciduous leaves with a leathery texture.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 50-60’ and Spread of 50-60’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows in moist, well-drained, and wet soils
Images from Virginia Tech University & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
How to Plant
Nutall Oak (Quercus texana)
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 60’ + and Spread of 50-60’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows best in well-drained soils
Images from Arbor Day Foundation
Scan the QR code to access tree care information
How to Plant
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 60’ + and Spread of 50-60’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows best in well or poorly drained soils
Images from Arbor Day Foundation
Scan the QR code to access tree care information
White Oak (Quercus alba)
The white oak is one of the preeminent eastern American hardwoods. It grows slowly to create a widespread crown. Its abundant acorns are an important food source for wildlife.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 80-100’ and Spread of 50-80’
Sun Preference: Partial shade
Soil Preference: Well-drained to dry soils
Images from Missouri Botanical Gardens
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Willow Oak (Quercus phelos)
The willow oak is a hardy overstory hardwood. It’s straight trunk supports a cone-shaped crown which becomes round at maturity. Its slender leaves turn yellow to russet in the fall. Its abundant small acorns support wildlife
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 50-90’ and Spread of 30-60’
Sun Preference: Full Sun to Partial shade
Soil Preference: Well-drained to moist soils
Images from Missouri Botanical Gardens
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
The scarlet oak is in the red oak family and grows a straight trunk with a large rounded crown. Its leaves turn a deep and vibrant red in the fall. Its acorns are an important food source for wildlife.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 60-80’ and Spread of 40-50’
Sun Preference: Full sun to Partial shade
Soil Preference: Well-drained to dry soils, prefers acidic sandy soils.
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii)
This oak is found growing wild in low-lying and swampy areas – often moist bottomlands or riverbanks. But it grows just as well in an urban or suburban setting, with tolerance to compacted soil and drought. This tree grows in a rounded shape and features dark green deciduous leaves with a leathery texture.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 50-60’ and Spread of 50-60’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows in moist, well-drained, and wet soils
Images from Virginia Tech University & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
An important tree in difficult urban landscaping situations with uniform branching forming a rounded shape with an open crown. The Overcup Oak has brilliant reddish or gray brown bark and displays leathery dark green leaves in summer. Fall color is a rich yellow-brown.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 45-70’ and Spread of 35-50’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Acidic, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. Can withstand flooding
Images from Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
The Shumard Oak is a stately tree with beautiful fall color and great urban adaptability. It is drought tolerant and fast growing. This tree grows in a rounded shape and has fall color of red to red-orange leaves. Produces acorns loved by deer and squirrels.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 40-60’ and Spread of 40-60’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from Virginia Tech University & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
Chinese Pistache grows quickly in full sun to partial shade and can withstand heat and drought very well. The tree grows in an oval, rounded, spreading shape. Features long dark green leaves and has fall leaf color in shades of orange and red.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 25-35’ and Spread of 25-35’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from Virginia Tech University,
The University of Florida & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/ask-the-arborist/
or by scanning the QR code!
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera)
One of the largest trees in North America, the tulip poplar grows fast and straight. It’s large leaves provide lots of shade. Its showy fragrant white and orange blossoms provide important food for pollinators like honeybees and hummingbirds.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 80-110’ and Spread of 30-50’
Sun Preference: Partial shade to full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from Morton Arboretum
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
River Birch (Betula nigra)
River birch naturally grows along riverbanks. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, and relative resistance to birch borer.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 40-70’ and Spread of 40-60’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils
Images from Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica)
One of the most attractive native trees around. Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, and red. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Makes a strong specimen tree.
Mature Size: Height of 30-50’ and Spread of 20-30’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Grows well in in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam and well-drained soils.
Images from Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
This selection
Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
It has been called, “the most graceful cedar.” And upon first sight, you’ll know why. Elegant, pendulous branches. Attractive coloring. Pleasing shape. Interesting branching patterns. It’s a tree born to be a landscape specimen. Its evergreen needles makes for a great privacy screen.
Mature Size: Height of 40-0’ and Spread of 20-40’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It prefers moist soil but has good drought tolerance.
Images from Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
This selection
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
The baldcypress tree is the classic tree of southern swamps. There, in its native habitat, it displays a peculiar habit of raising conical "knees" from its roots. To the surprise of many, the baldcypress does quite well when planted in the right soil in yards or along streets and is a beautiful specimen tree.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 50-70’ and Spread of 25’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well-drained and clay soils. It is adaptable to wet or dry conditions.
Images from NC State University & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’)
All the charm of a southern magnolia in a smaller size. This tree grows in an upright shape and is often used to add evergreen beauty near decks and patios or as a floral screen or hedge. This tree produces fragrant, white flowers from mid-spring to summer, with heavy blooming in early years of growth.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 25-35’ and Spread of 10-12’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils
Images from The University of Florida & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
How to Plant
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 20’ and Spread of 15-20’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows best in wetter soils
Images from Arbor Day Foundation
Scan the QR code to access tree care information
Frontier Elm (Ulmus carpinifolia x parvifolia ‘Frontier’)
The Frontier Elm has good levels of resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm yellows and moderate resistance to elm leaf beetle. This tree has an upright growth habit and features purple-red leaf color in the fall and is tolerant of urban conditions.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 30-40’ and Spread of 15-30’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from USDA Forest Service & Morton Arboretum
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Florida Flame Maple (Acer rubrum “Florida Flame)
The Florida Flame Maple is a landscape standout. Medium to dark-green leaves turn yellow to burnt orange or red in fall. Tolerates full sun or shade, and likes a moderate to well-drained, moist soil. Grows a rounded crown similar to other red maples.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 30-50’ and Spread of 30-40’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Moderate to well-drained soils
Images from The University of Florida
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Carolina Sapphire Cypress (Cupressus arizonica ‘Carolina Sapphire’)
The Carolina Cypress is an evergreen tree that features blue-silver needles. This tree grows in a pyramidal shape and works well for windbreaks, ornamental specimens, and erosion control. This cypress tolerates hot, dry conditions once established.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 35-45’ and Spread of 20-25’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from Virginia Tech University & Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
American Hornbeam (Carpinus Caroliniana)
The American hornbeam is a small, deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. Its leaves are a reddish-purple shade in the spring, shift to dark green in summer, and then turn yellow to orange-red in the fall. Even in winter, the tree’s ridged, blue-gray bark provides an extra hint of visual interest.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 20-30’ and Spread of 20-35’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Acidic, clay, loamy, moist, and Sandy soils
Images from Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
Downy serviceberry is a four-season tree offering white flowers in spring, small red berries in summer, excellent fall color, and gray bark in winter. The fruit is edible and tasty, but is usually eaten very quickly by birds.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 15-25’ and Spread of -25’
Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Acidic, moist and well-drained soils
Images from Forestryimages.org
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
Natchez Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’)
This stunning tree is renowned for its showy flowers, beautiful bark, fast growth, and tolerance of soil conditions. This tree grows in a vase shape and produces showy white flowers that have wrinkled petals similar to crepe paper from late spring to fall.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 15-25’ and Spread of 6-15’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from The University of Florida
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!
How to Plant
Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 60’ + and Spread of 40-50’
Sun Preference: Full sun
Soil Preference: Grows best in well-drained soils
Images from Arbor Day Foundation
Scan the QR code to access tree care information
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
This deciduous tree is valued for its dramatic display of pink flowers signaling the start of spring. Redbud grows in a rounded, vase shape, with unique branching patterns and trunk form. Begins flowering at a young age, sometimes as early as 4 years.
This selection
Mature Size: Height of 20-30’ and Spread of 25-35’
Sun Preference: Partial shade
Soil Preference: Well-drained soils
Images from The University of Florida
and Clemson University
For information on how to plant and care for your new tree, visit:�https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/georgia-releaf-grant-program/ or by scanning the QR code!