Which Trees Are Native To Georgia?

Georgia, a state known for its rich biodiversity, is home to a wide range of native trees. From the coastal plains in the south to the mountains in the north, the varied landscape of Georgia supports a diverse array of flora. These native trees have adapted naturally to the region's soil, climate, and rainfall patterns, making them well-suited for the local ecosystem. In this article, we will explore 30 stunning trees native to Georgia, highlighting their unique characteristics and the benefits they bring to the environment.

Top Ten Native Georgia Trees:

1. Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata)

The Hazel Alder is a small tree or large, multi-stemmed, thicket-forming shrub. It is commonly found in boggy grounds near rivers, streams, lakes, springs, and wet meadows. This tree features smooth gray trunks with barely noticeable pores. In March and early April, before the leaves emerge, the Hazel Alder produces monoecious flowers. The male catkins are slender and droop in clusters near the branch tips, while the female catkins are bright red upright cylinders located on twig tips. The tree's fruiting cones contain winged nutlets that mature in the fall and persist into the winter, providing a food source for various bird species. With its obovate leaves and dark green color, the Hazel Alder adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. It also has the unique ability to fix nitrogen into the soil through its root nodules.

• Common Names: Common Alder, Tag Alder, Hazel Alder

• Growing Zones: 4-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 10-20 ft tall and 12-15 ft wide

• Flowering Season: March/early April

2. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

The Bald Cypress is a classic tree of the southern swamps, known for its distinct feature of raising knobbled 'knees' from its roots. This tree thrives in wet or dry conditions and can withstand flooding. It is a deciduous conifer with short needles arranged in pairs on slender branches. In spring, the needles are yellow/green, turning soft green in the summer and orange/reddish/brown in the fall. The Bald Cypress produces small globular cones that contain triangular seeds, attracting wildlife. With its pyramidal shape and average height of 50-70 ft, the Bald Cypress adds beauty and resilience to any landscape.

• Common Names: White Cypress, Bald Cypress, Gulf Cypress, Red Cypress, Tidewater Red Cypress

• Growing Zones: 4-10

• Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 ft tall and 20-25 ft wide

• Flowering Season: April

3. Florida Maple (Acer floridanum)

The Florida Maple, also known as Acer floridanum, is a deciduous tree native to Georgia. This tree is particularly noted for its glorious springtime, warm summers, brisk autumns, and brief winters. It can adapt to a range of soil and moisture conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardens. The Florida Maple supports native wildlife by providing shelter and food. It produces vibrant yellow flowers in the spring and small samaras, or winged seeds, in the fall. With its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in different environments, the Florida Maple is a valuable addition to any landscape.

• Common Names: Florida Maple

• Growing Zones: Varies across Georgia

• Average Size at Maturity: Varies across Georgia

• Flowering Season: Spring

4. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

The Southern Magnolia is an iconic tree native to the southeastern United States, including Georgia. This evergreen tree boasts large, glossy leaves and produces fragrant white flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The Southern Magnolia is known for its striking beauty and is often used as an ornamental tree in landscapes. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. The tree's flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its large cone-like fruits provide food for wildlife. With its majestic presence and year-round greenery, the Southern Magnolia is a beloved symbol of the South.

• Common Names: Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay

• Growing Zones: 7-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 ft tall and 30-50 ft wide

• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer

5. Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)

The Blackgum, also known as Nyssa sylvatica, is a deciduous tree native to Georgia. It is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types, including wet or dry conditions. The Blackgum is known for its vibrant fall foliage, which ranges from brilliant red to deep purple. In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous flowers that attract pollinators, and in the fall, it produces small blue-black fruits that are a valuable food source for wildlife. With its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in different environments, the Blackgum is a popular choice for landscapes in Georgia.

• Common Names: Blackgum, Tupelo

• Growing Zones: 4-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 30-50 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide

• Flowering Season: Spring

6. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

The Eastern Redbud, scientifically known as Cercis canadensis, is a small deciduous tree native to Georgia. It is renowned for its stunning display of pink or purple flowers in early spring, which emerge before the leaves. The heart-shaped leaves of the Eastern Redbud add to its charm, turning yellow in the fall. This tree thrives in a variety of soil types and is well-suited for gardens and landscapes. Its flowers attract pollinators, and its seeds are consumed by birds and other wildlife. With its vibrant colors and compact size, the Eastern Redbud brings beauty to any outdoor space.

• Common Names: Eastern Redbud

• Growing Zones: 4-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 ft tall and wide

• Flowering Season: Early spring

7. Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)

The Longleaf Pine, scientifically known as Pinus palustris, is a tall evergreen tree native to Georgia. It is a slow-growing and long-lived species that can reach heights of over 100 feet. The Longleaf Pine is well-adapted to fire-prone ecosystems and has thick, fire-resistant bark. This tree is known for its long, slender needles that grow in bundles of three and its large, cylindrical cones. It provides important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. With its remarkable height and ecological significance, the Longleaf Pine is a symbol of the South's natural heritage.

• Common Names: Longleaf Pine

• Growing Zones: 7-10

• Average Size at Maturity: 80-100 ft tall and 30-40 ft wide

• Flowering Season: Spring

8. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

The American Holly, scientifically known as Ilex opaca, is an evergreen tree native to the eastern United States, including Georgia. It is recognized for its glossy, spiky leaves and vibrant red berries, which persist throughout the winter. The American Holly is a dioecious tree, meaning it has separate male and female trees. The female trees produce the iconic red berries that are a valuable food source for birds. This tree thrives in well-drained soils and is often used as a decorative tree during the holiday season. With its striking foliage and winter interest, the American Holly is a cherished tree in Georgia.

• Common Names: American Holly

• Growing Zones: 5-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 30-50 ft tall and 15-25 ft wide

• Flowering Season: Spring

9. Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

The Sweetbay Magnolia, scientifically known as Magnolia virginiana, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Georgia. It is commonly found in wetland areas, such as swamps and stream banks. The Sweetbay Magnolia is known for its fragrant white flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer. The tree's leaves are glossy green on top and silvery-white underneath, creating an attractive contrast. It produces red seeds that are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. With its tolerance for wet soils and its beautiful flowers, the Sweetbay Magnolia adds elegance to any landscape.

• Common Names: Sweetbay Magnolia

• Growing Zones: 5-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 10-60 ft tall and 10-40 ft wide

• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer

10. White Oak (Quercus alba)

The White Oak, scientifically known as Quercus alba, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, including Georgia. It is renowned for its majestic stature and its longevity, with some individuals living for several hundred years. The White Oak features distinctive lobed leaves that turn shades of red and purple in the fall. This tree produces acorns, which are an important food source for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. The wood of the White Oak is highly valued for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for furniture and construction. With its grand presence and ecological significance, the White Oak is a treasured tree in Georgia.

• Common Names: White Oak

• Growing Zones: 4-9

• Average Size at Maturity: 60-100 ft tall and 50-80 ft wide

• Flowering Season: Spring

The diverse landscape of Georgia provides a home for a wide range of native trees. From the Hazel Alder with its nitrogen-fixing abilities to the majestic White Oak with its longevity, each tree brings unique beauty and benefits to the environment. By planting native trees in our gardens and landscapes, we can support local ecosystems, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance the natural beauty of our surroundings. So, let's embrace the richness of Georgia's native trees and contribute to the preservation of our biodiverse landscape.

For more information on planting trees near Monroe, Ga. click the link below to be connected with a local arborist.

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Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale

A new scale pest that lingers on crepe myrtle trees has been found in the southeastern US threatening their appearance and life span. This pest is spreading fast, leaving behind extensive honeydew deposits and black sooty mold.

Symptoms of crape myrtle bark scale:

• Black sooty mold

• Reduced foliage growth

• Honeydew secretions

• White/gray felt-like substances on trunk or branches

How do I get rid of crape myrtle bark scale?

Before treating your crape myrtle diseases, its important to have an examination by a certified arborist to confirm what exactly (if anything) is needed. Our technicians will apply a pesticide in the spring right as the new growth develops on the tree to attain the best results.

Can I prevent crape myrtle bark scale?

Unfortunately there is currently no preventative measure to avoid this particular scale. However, keeping your trees regularly maintained and in good health can naturally deter them. Pests and diseases are most likely to invade a sick/unhealthy tree.

Click the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist now!

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Top 3 Best Trees To Plant For Shade

When the Georgia summer heat hits, it can be brutal. Raising your monthly power bills and sucking all the moisture out of your landscape are some of the disadvantages to having a yard with full sun.

Planting a tree provides a number of benefits including:

• Lower monthly power bills

• Open opportunities for more plants that thrive in partly shaded areas

• Raise overall home value

• Provide a spot to cool off and enjoy nature

Here’s what made our list for the best trees to plant for shade.

GINGKO

Gingko trees are some of the most unique specimen on the market. They are coated with fan shaped leaves unlike any other. Their golden yellow fall color will make you take a second look. Best of all - they are some of the most pest-resistant trees you can plant.

Sun: Full Sun

Height & width: 80 feet tall, 40 feet wide

OAK

Known for their size, oak trees of all species provide substantial shade when they are fully matured. They aren’t the fastest growing trees but they are one of the most monumental.

Sun: Full sun

Height: Up to 80 feet tall

TULIP POPLAR

The tulip poplar tree is one of the largest U.S. native trees. Its name originates after the cup shaped yellow flowers. It provides optimal shade and brilliant fall color.

Sun: Full sun

Height & width: 90 feet tall, 50 feet wide

If you are looking for more information on planting shade trees in Georgia, click the link below to be connected with one of our tree care experts!

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What is the green stuff growing on my trees?

Most of the time, in damp, shady areas you will spot a substance on the branches or trunk of a seemingly declining tree. This substance can be either lichen or moss.

What’s the difference between lichen and moss on trees?

Lichen

• A combination of fungi and algae

• Can be a range of colors including blue, green gray etc.

• Appears in thin flaky patches

Moss

• Always dark green

• Coarse texture

Does moss or lichen harm my tree?

Lichen does not harm trees, though it might seem that way because they are usually found on declining specimen. Actually, lichen just tends to thrive on unhealthy trees because when they are under stress, there are usually less leaves and branches, allowing more light to shine on the trunk and creating the perfect environment for lichen to take over.

How can I get rid of moss or lichen on my trees?

There is no pressing need to rid the tree of moss or lichen as it does no harm to your trees and actually can be beneficial to the environment by providing a food source for many birds and other animals. However, if you would still like to get rid of it, a fungicide called copper sulfate can be applied by an ISA certified Arborist to kill it.

If you have moss or lichen on your trees, it is best to have them assessed properly by one of our ISA certified Arborists to rule out any potential tree disease, tree decay or pests that could be causing stress on the tree to begin with. Use the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist today!

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Signs You Might Have A Bark Beetle Infestation

There are more than 600 different species of bark beetles and over 41.7 millions acres of land destroyed from them. They are becoming more common as time goes on and date back to 1996, when the first outbreak began in the U.S. Bark beetles usually go after the weaker trees, decayed or already taken over by some sort of fungus or bacteria. They kill the trees by cutting off their food and water transport abilities.

Symptoms of bark beetles include:

• Pitch tubes, reddish brown in color on the outside of the bark

• Sawdust substances around bark

• Woodpecker holes could indicate there are bark beetles present

• Leaves and needles turn from green to reddish brown

• Tree decline

Unfortunately, once the symptoms of bark beetles are noticed, it usually is too late to apply a pesticide and the tree must be removed to prevent further spread in the area. If you notice the bark beetles early on in their cycle, a pesticide can be applied by a certified Arborist that kills the adults when they land on the tree. This will prevent them from entering, laying eggs and repeating the cycle.

When applying pesticides, make sure you use a certified arborist, as these chemicals can be dangerous and cause more harm to the good and helpful insects of the tree.

If you suspect bark beetles on your trees, it is important to contact your local ISA certified arborist immediately to remediate the situation before they take over.

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What Can We Learn From The Trees In Fall?

There is something special about fall time. The perfect weather, cool breeze with sun just warm enough to go out and enjoy without all those pesky mosquitoes. Most of all, the trees and watching their leaves change colors. Many people call fall a “second spring” where the leaves are all flowers blooming to drop again and return next season.

There are a multitude of life lessons the trees can teach us. We have listed just a few.

Embracing change

Most of us hate change, its scary and unpredictable. But every fall, the leaves show us that change can be a beautiful thing.

Learn to let go

Just as the trees let go of their leaves in fall, we must learn to let go of things that are no longer meant for us in order to grow stronger, healthier and return more beautiful next season.

Dark seasons are necessary

No rain, no flowers. Dark times are inevitable for all of us. It is important to remember that without dark times, we wouldn’t have the determination to be reborn and start again.

Nothing lasts forever

The bad news is that nothing lasts forever, the good news is also that nothing lasts forever. The changing of the seasons reminds us that no matter what, time will still be marching along. Take time to enjoy your life and live to the fullest everyday.

We hope these lessons give you a new way to look at the beauty in the trees that surround us!

How Do I Protect My Newly Planted Trees In Winter?

Planting new trees in your landscape can be a fun and satisfying project. If you timed your project right, planting your new specimen should be performed in dormant season through winter.

But maybe you found the perfect tree for your yard and wanted to plant it sooner than later. That’s okay! We understand. Now that winter is rolling around, however, it’s most important to provide them with the best support possible to ensure their survival.

Cold weather brings along a lot of troubles for new trees. Ice storms, sub-zero temperatures, and strong winds can break branches and damage trees that haven’t had enough time to establish a healthy root system. The constant freezing and thawing of the soil with random spurts of sun can cause root damage and dry out the tree, exposing it to cold damage.

Winter weather in Georgia is unpredictable so having a certified Arborist help you with your newly planted tree will ensure optimal growth. But we have come up with a few tips and tricks to help in the meantime!

• Water, water, water! - Until your tree has a healthy root system, it is important to keep the soil moist, not saturated before the ground freezes in October through mid-November. This will ensure your tree is properly hydrated through the winter drought. If you notice any browning on evergreen trees feel free to give a little extra after this time period, though.

• Insulate the soil with mulch - Mulching around the base of your trees provides a large number of substantial benefits from preventing erosion, weeds and retaining moisture as well as heat. It can help prevent cold winter air from penetrating the soil, exposing the roots to cold damage before they are established. We recommend placing a 4 inch layer around the base of your trees, new or old, keeping it at least 2 feet from the trunk.

• Tree trimming - The dormant season is the perfect time to prune back those new or old trees since they are growing much slower in this time frame. Removing dead or dying branches can help your trees maintain their energy for the beautiful blooms in spring time!

• Wrapping - Wrapping your trees in a breathable fabric such as burlap is a great practice that can help to preserve your trees health while they are still getting established in their new home. There is a specific way to do this, however, so it is best that you consult with a certified Arborist about tree wrapping and preservation

Are your trees ready for the harsh effects of winter in Georgia? We give FREE estimates with our ISA certified Arborists. Give us a call today for a free risk assessment and evaluation of your trees health by clicking the link below!

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What Types of Fruit Trees Are Easiest To Grow In Georgia?

It’s almost dormant season for our trees which is a great time to start planning and planting trees for next year!

Fruit trees can be a blessing and a curse. Some varieties require a ton a maintenance whereas others can mostly tend to themselves with a smaller effort. We have made a list of our top easiest fruit trees to grow in Georgia weather to help you choose which is best for your lifestyle.

Apple Trees

Apple trees are a favorite in Georgia because they are easy to grow, cold hardy, perfect for most yards and supply a heavy harvest in late August through November. Common threats to Apple trees include:

• Aphids

• Japanese Beetles

• Deer

• Rabbits

• Squirrels

Apple trees are most prone to diseases such as blight and mold so do your research and make sure you have a local certified Arborist nearby to diagnose and cure these before they take over.

Pear Trees

Pear trees are a second favorite because they are also cold hardy, heat resistant, and could be grown well in pots.

A few common threats are:

• Aphids

• Root rot

Pear trees thrive in the heat and the cold, but overly wet conditions can invite a dose of root rot in to kill off your precious trees. A certified Arborist can help diagnose tree root rot as well as perform a risk assessment for the placement of your pear trees!

Peach trees

Because who doesn’t love a good old Georgia peach? They are also fabulous in heat, great for vertical gardening and grow pretty quickly. So if you’re looking for a fruit tree to produce in 1-2 years, the peach tree is your candidate!

A few peach tree threats include:

• Cold weather

• Blight/mold disease

These are just a few of our top favorites in fruit trees. If you would like more reference on how to plant your fruit trees, please feel free to contact our office using the link below and we can connect you with one of our local certified Arborists! Happy planting!

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