Georgia Tree Council, Inc.

The primary purpose of GTC’s Landmark and Historic Tree Register is to locate, document and compile a record of significant trees across Georgia. Landmark and Historic Trees are those individual trees and groups of trees that have been designated as significant based on their importance to national, state, or community history. They are frequently recognized for their contribution to the development of landscape architecture, forestry, city planning, and culture. Other key attributes for consideration are event association, aesthetic value, historical significance, and cultural contribution. Trees recognized in this register are divided into two categories: Landmark – those trees that are an integral part of an individual community and its heritage, and Historic – those trees in Georgia that are important to the culture and history of the state or nation. The register will also enhance our ability to educate and encourage the public and decision-makers about the importance of trees and the need to care for and protect them.

Each year GTC rewards individuals, organizations, businesses, municipalities, and counties for outstanding work in protecting and enhancing our community forests. One Grand Award is given to each of the following categories: Marketing, Streetscape Revitalization, Greenspace Plan, New Development, New Initiative, Business, Media, Civic Organization, Community, Elected/Appointed Official, Education, Individual Achievement, Student, and Urban Arboriculture. Award Recipients are honored at our annual awards luncheon at the statewide annual conferenece.

In April, 2011, tornadoes struck many southern U.S. states, taking lives and destroying homes, businesses, and city infrastructure – including thriving community trees. To help restore the many environmental, economic, and social health benefits that trees provided in these storm-struck Georgia communities, the Georgia Urban Forest Council (now the Georgia Tree Council), in cooperation with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), established the Georgia ReLeaf program to bring urban forests back to life by planting trees in public areas such as parks, schools, main streets, and business districts.

In addition to tree planting for canopy restoration, the Georgia ReLeaf program also makes funding available for tree planting projects benefitting or involving our military veterans who have served our country and for community tree equity projects and for community tree equity projects.

This annual program is geared toward treekeepers at colleges, universities, schools, and any type of "campus" such as corporate or botanical garden campuses. Topics addressed are those relevant to treecare and advocacy at a campus. Example topics covered are best practices for communicating with your campus community about projects, tree management plans, planting trees in the right location, establishing an arboretum, and keeping people safe. Often, this educational event teaching basic practices such as tree planting and establishment, pruning, and caring for mature trees.