5 Trees Love the Atlanta Summer As Much As You Do

There are trees that fair better in hot weather, say Georgia-based tree experts.

5 Trees that Grow Well in the Georgia Climate

Trees are the strongest and longest-living plants in any ecosystem. Even urban human habitats like cities and suburbs need their share of trees. Unfortunately, there are many beautiful trees that just will not grow in the intense heat that citizens of Georgia experience. If you are considering adding some landscaping trees, here are a few options that are perfectly suited to local weather.

The Crape Myrtle

Though the crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle or crape-myrtle) is a plant that is native to parts of China and Korea, it is so common that people may mistake it for a native Southern plant. One of its nicknames is “the southern lilac” due to not only its prevalence in the South but also due to its spectacular spring blossoms, which come in a wide variety of pink and purple shades and attract pollinators. 

It is fast-growing and easy to prune and shape. Here are the basic crape myrtle facts:

  • Sun Preferences: Full Sun
  • Soil Preferences: It can grow in a variety of soils.
  • Drought Tolerance:  Good
  • Susceptibility: They are not attacked by any particular tree disease. 

The Flowering Dogwood

Like the crepe myrtle, the dogwood is a common and lovely sight, particularly when covered with its white, yellowish, or pink flowers. The fruit of these flowers, while not edible to humans, does attract birds and other wildlife.  They do not get as tall as some trees and tend to be found in the under-canopy when growing naturally. These trees make a lovely landscaping accent and need very little care.

  • Sun Preferences:  Full to partial sun. The dappled light that comes through taller trees is perfect for this tree.
  • Soil Preferences:  Moist, but grows in a wide variety of soils.
  • Drought Tolerance: Not tolerant, will need watering during dry spells.
  • Susceptibility:  Dogwood anthracnose and dogwood powdery mildew are two threats.

The Southern Magnolia

This iconic evergreen has beautiful and fragrant white blooms in late spring and early summer. It grows quite tall and has a good spread for shade. Its shiny, dark green leaves almost look man-made due to their durability and sheen. There are many different species that fall under the magnolia classification, so if the southern magnolia is too large, there are likely other types that will fit in your garden space.

  • Sun Preferences: Full sun
  • Soil Preferences: Moist soil
  • Drought Tolerance: Fairly tolerant
  • Susceptibility:  Disease resistant

The Apple Tree

Though there are other fruit trees that do well in a Georgia climate, consider choosing an apple tree for the wide variety available and if you are looking for a challenge. Getting and cultivating an apple tree is not a simple task, so a homeowner has to be ready to invest some time. 

  • Sun Preferences: Full sun
  • Soil Preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
  • Drought Tolerance:  only an established tree is at all drought tolerant
  • Susceptibility:  Bitter pit, among other things. Discuss resistant varieties with an arborist or other tree care professional.

The Southern Live Oak

These large sprawling trees need a great deal of space to grow. They make excellent shade trees and live for hundreds of years. They are conifers, but unlike most conifers, they are deciduous.

  • Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Preferences: Acidic, but does well in a variety of soils
  • Drought Tolerance:  Somewhat tolerant
  • Susceptibility: It is susceptible to oak wilt disease.

About Boutte Tree, Inc.

For nearly 20 years, Boutte Tree, Inc. has been serving the Greater Atlanta Area. With a board-certified arborist on staff, no tree service is beyond our reach. From tree risk assessment to tree health care, Boutte is the one to call.

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