Headed out on the Downtown Savannah Tree Tour? Make sure to share photos and videos from your adventure!
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Stop 1: The Candler Oak
The first stop is one of the oldest trees in downtown Savannah: the Candler Oak! This tree is estimated to be about 300 years old, and has the first (and only) conservation easement for a single tree. You can read more about this fantastic tree on the sign within the easement.
Stop 2: Calhoun Square
Look for Chinese Fringetrees growing underneath the canopy of the live oaks in the square. Species that don’t mind growing in lots of shade, like these fringetrees, are an important component of our urban forest.
Stop 3: Monterey Square
Here you can find another tree species that prefers to grow in the shade: the Japanese Maple. This species has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental qualities, and over 1,000 cultivars have been named.
Stop 4: Chatham Square
This square is a great example of the incredible amount of shade our Southern Live Oaks provide downtown.
Stop 5: Pulaski Square
Another iconic southern tree species can be found in this square: the Southern Magnolia. During the late summer and fall they produce bright red seeds in clusters.
Stop 6: Madison Square
Similar to other squares you can find Southern Live Oaks and Southern Magnolia, but a common non-native tree species can also be found in this square: Crape Myrtle! The southern end of this square has a fantastic example of just how large these trees can get when they are maintained properly.
Stop 7: Lafayette Square
This square is another fantastic example of just how dense and broad Southern Live Oak canopies can be. Take a minute to rest and enjoy their shade!
Stop 8: Troup Square
In addition to Southern Live Oaks, you can find some Black Cherry trees here as well. While the fruit from these trees do not compare to cultivated cherries, they are a vital source of food to wildelife.
Stop 9: Columbia Square
This square is particularly interesting, as it is almost entirely shaded by only four Southern Live Oaks. A fantastic example of how far the canopy of these trees can stretch.
Stop 10: Mother Mathilda Beasley Park
Across the path from the dog park you can find a wetland retention area filled with many fantastic native tree species: River Birch, American Sycamore, Bald Cypress, and Sweetbay Magnolia to name a few. Trees are a vital part of stormwater management, and setting aside areas like these is not only good for flood mitigation, but also for wildlife!