Georgia Shade Trees

Oak trees compose the largest group of Georgia's native shade trees.

In 2000, Georgia embarked on a five-year strategic plan to improve the state's urban forests. The initiative stressed the benefits of a healthy urban canopy and urged communities to get involved. Many shade trees are appropriate for Georgia's community landscapes.

Identification

Magnolias and tulip poplars provide spring bloom and summer shade.

Dozens of small, medium and large trees, many of which have the broad canopies required to make good shade trees, grow in Georgia. Many, like the state's official tree, the live oak (Quercus virginiana) grow tall -- some more than 100 feet.

Hardiness

Several maples are hardy throughout the state.

Three growing zones stretch across Georgia. USDA zones 6b and 7a in mountainous north Georgia. The Piedmont area lies predominantly in zones 7b and 8a and the coastal plain and southern Piedmont lie in zone 8b.

Types

The sugarberry is a native American elm.

Red, trident and sugar maple, a dozen oak species, sycamore, green and white ash, sweetgum, tulip poplar, sugarberry elm, American beech and black walnut are native trees. Many communities also maintain lists of local shade tree favorites.

Benefits

The Georgian urban forest helps save energy and fight pollution.

In addition to providing cool shade, trees help minimize the growth of urban heat islands, control erosion and retain water. They also provide habitat for urban wildlife.

Considerations

Georgia's Making the Shade program helps bring shade to schoolyards.

Georgia funds a "Making the Shade" grants program to help schools and community groups plant trees.

References

• University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service: Native Plants for Georgia; Medium and Large Trees
• University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service: Fast Growing Tree Selection Guide
• Trees Atlanta: 50 Atlanta Trees
• Georgia Forestry Commission: Georgia Model Urban Forest Book
• Georgia Forestry Commission: Making the Shade Program