Historic and horticulturally significant trees of Georgia

Abstract

This project documented and geographically referenced the historic and horticulturally significant trees of Georgia. Nominations of significant trees were accepted from garden clubs, city arborists and foresters, extension agents and the general public who wished to submit their tree(s) to be evaluated for possible acceptance to the registry. Significant trees were measured, evaluated for overall condition, photographed, and geographically referenced using GIS and GPS technology. The locations of 220 significant trees were examined relative to historic communities, transportation systems, population centers, and geographic regions. Population density explained 24% of the significant trees distribution. Significant trees within five miles of the 1874 Georgia railroad system accounted for 75.0% of all significant trees. Significant trees were categorized according to their significance, and the Historic category included 55.9% of the significant trees. All significant trees were given a condition rating, and 85.00% of the significant trees were within the excellent condition rating range.