Tifton’s Tree Canopy

Benefits of Urban Tree Canopies

Urban Tree Canopies offer many community benefits, including improved air quality, providing shade that reduces heat, and contribute to the overall aesthetic and beauty of Tifton.   Trees also play a role in storm water management by reducing runoff and preventing soil erosion.  Studies have also found that trees provide a number of health benefits such as lower rates of asthma and stress.  The City of Tifton understands the many benefits trees provide and encourages our community members to become involved in protecting and improving Tifton’s Urban Tree Canopy.         

 

Tifton’s Urban Tree Canopy Cover

Based on the 2023 tree canopy assessment performed by Green Infrastructure Center, 39% of the city was reported to be covered by tree canopy.  In order to maintain the City’s current tree canopy cover, and ultimately increase the canopy, the Tifton Tree Board passionately devotes efforts to public outreach, tree plantings, and tree maintenance to ensure the tree canopy goals are achieved.  

Tree Canopy

Public Trees Planted

It is our goal to reforest the city and annual tree plantings are made possible through public and private funding, grants, and volunteers.  Below is a listing of the number of trees planted in recent years.  

Year Total Number of Trees Planted
2020 189
2021 165
2022 56
2023 240
2024 199


How To Get Involved

1.) Attend a Tifton Tree Board Meeting.  The Tree Board meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday, 6:00 PM at the Tifton Community Development Office located at 204 N. Ridge Avenue, Tifton, GA.  

2.) Adopt a Tree Program – Volunteer to care for newly planted trees  

3.) Participate in Arbor Day Events by Planting a Tree  

4.) Become a Tifton Tree Enthusiast and engage with your neighbors and friends about the value of trees and our community tree goals.

 

Tree Care

Compared to smaller plants, trees require less care, but they still need to be fertilized and kept hydrated.  In order to maintain the structural stability of trees, occasional pruning is also necessary to keep low branches out of the way.  These simple maintenance efforts will help grow strong mature trees that are less prone to damage from storms.  

For more information on tree planting and maintenance view the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Tree Owner Manual at the following link.

Tree Owners Manual

Resources

Tifton Tree Ordinance (Link)

 Tree Canopy Open House Presentation - January 24, 2024     


Strategic Tree Canopy Plan 2024     

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