LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Gwinnett County homeowners living in unincorporated areas can apply for a free native tree beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11, through the county’s Front Yard Tree Program.
The county is offering a shortened fall planting cycle after delivering more than 300 trees to homeowners this spring. County officials said high demand prompted the additional application period.
The program provides eligible homeowners with one tree selected for planting in their front yard. Landscape professionals install the trees at no cost to participating homeowners.
The initiative is intended to expand Gwinnett’s tree canopy, improve air quality and enhance neighborhoods. It is funded through the Gwinnett County Tree Bank, which collects money through the development process.
To qualify, applicants must own a home in unincorporated Gwinnett County and agree to have the tree planted in the front yard. Homeowners who previously received a tree through the program may apply again.
Applicants can review available tree varieties and submit a preferred planting location when the application period opens in August. The county will conduct site assessments in September and work with selected homeowners to determine the appropriate tree and planting location.
Approved participants will be asked in October to contact 811 to have underground utilities marked. Professional installation is scheduled for November, followed by an inspection from a Gwinnett County development inspector. Homeowners will also receive information about caring for their trees.
Submitting an application does not guarantee that a tree will be available.
The county is offering 16 tree varieties in a range of mature sizes. Smaller options include downy serviceberry, Eastern redbud, flowering dogwood and Virginia witch hazel, which generally reach 15 to 20 feet in height.
Medium-sized selections include Southern sugar maple, black gum, American yellowwood, East Palatka holly and overcup oak. Larger options include American holly, pignut hickory, Southern magnolia, white oak, scarlet oak, Shumard oak and willow oak.
The available trees provide a variety of seasonal characteristics, including spring and summer flowers, evergreen foliage and fall colors ranging from bright yellow and orange to red and burgundy.
Applications and additional information will be available at GwinnettCounty.com/FrontYardTree.
