Atlanta has a host of nicknames for all the many facets of our city: The Hollywood of the South, or Y’allywood, The Big Peach, The A, and of course, maybe our most famous of all, The City in a Forest. But in recent years, Atlanta has lost a lot of our canopy coverage, due to development. The city is renewing efforts to restore the truth behind our woodland nickname… and we’re SO here for it! Keep scrolling to learn how you can get up to three (3!) free trees in your yard!
What is the city doing to stay the ‘City in a Forest’?
95.5 WSB Atlanta reports,
Atlanta’s City Council is set to vote Monday on a new measure aimed at keeping the city true to its nickname, the ‘City in a Forest’… The program is part of the city’s effort to restore and maintain a 50% tree canopy, a goal that studies show has slipped in recent years.”
How can I help?
You can get some FREE trees planted in your yard! The Yard Tree Program, run by Trees Atlanta, a wonderful organization dedicated to keeping Atlanta green, is available in tons of Metro ATL cities. If you own property in any of these municipalities:
- Atlanta
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
- Decatur
- Dorabille
- DeKalb County Uninc.
- Dunwoody
- Hapeville
- Mableton
- Sandy Springs
- Smyrna
- Tucker
… then you are eligible to apply for up to three free trees!
How do I apply for a free Yard Tree?
Here are the steps to apply for your free Yard Trees!
- You must be a resident of the city or county participating in this program.
- Review the Yard Tree Available by City options.
- Photo and description of each tree species can be seen by clicking on the scientific name (last column).
- Tree species allowed are restricted per the list and quantities are limited.
- Submit a request here!
When do I need to apply?
Now is a great time!
Trees Atlanta Yard Tree Program is accepting homeowner requests for the October 2025 through March 2026 planting season.
From there, you’ll receive all the info on scheduling when your tree will be planted, and you’ll agree to water, care for, and maintain the trees planted in your yard!
Don’t delay, Atlanta! Learn more about the program, and apply for your FREE trees on their website, here!