Root Nashville Tree Ordering is Open Now through August 31, 2025

Root Nashville Tree Ordering is Open

The History of Root Nashville

Root Nashville originated as an idea proposed by a citizen advisory committee convened to address the environmental quality and livability of the city. In 2016, the Livable Nashville Committee recommended a tree-planting initiative after research showed that the city had lost a significant amount of its tree canopy. Within two years, Root Nashville, a public-private partnership between the Cumberland River Compact and the City of Nashville, was established. The guiding objective of the initiative is to enhance the quality of life for Nashvillians by improving the natural environment through tree planting. Thus far, the partnership has resulted in the planting of just over 50,000 trees in Davidson County, toward its overall goal of 500,000 by 2050. 

Every Davidson County resident can contribute to Root Nashville’s goal, even if trees aren’t procured from the organization itself. The Tree Plotter is an online mapping tool that enables property owners to record any tree planted that is at least 1 inch caliper in diameter. For more information, to register, and to have your trees counted, visit https://pg-cloud.com/NashvilleTN/ or email hello [at] rootnashville.org (hello[at]rootnashville[dot]org).

One of the objectives for Root Nashville is to plant a diverse number of tree species to help protect the city’s overall tree canopy from disease or infestation. This year's selection of trees includes a few interesting options that haven’t been available before, like the Red Chokeberry, Blackgum, and American Yellowwood. Quantities are limited, so it’s recommended to place orders as soon as possible.  Each household can order up to three free trees. If you would like more than three trees, please email hello [at] rootnashville.org (hello[at]rootnashville[dot]org).

This year’s tree selection.

If you need help figuring out what species is best for your yard, read the descriptions below, visit the Root Nashville online tree catalog or feel free to email the Root Nashville team. 

The online ordering form is now OPEN, and orders must be placed by August 31, 2025.

Large Trees:

Shumard Oak

The Shumard Oak is a large tree that prefers full sun and dry soil, although it can adapt to a range of soil conditions. It will add a red or red-orange color to your yard in the fall. Oak trees provide shade as well as food and habitat for local wildlife.

Southern Magnolia

A Southern staple, the Southern Magnolia is a large evergreen tree with fragrant white flowers. It prefers full sun and dry soil conditions. 

Bald Cypress (good for erosion control)

The Bald Cypress is a deciduous conifer that loses its needles in the fall. They can grow in dry or wet soil, but they thrive when planted in areas with full sun and near water. These trees are an excellent option for mitigating erosion of creek banks. 

Medium Trees:

Persimmon (good for erosion control)

Persimmon is a medium-sized, slender tree. They will thrive in most soil conditions and are wonderful for erosion control. If you would like a fruit-bearing tree, you’ll need at least two trees as they require a partner tree to produce fruit.

Blackgum

The Blackgum is a magnificent native tree, featuring dark green leaves in the summer and multicolored leaves that range from bright orange to deep purple in the fall. It also produces small flowers and fruit that provide nourishment for pollinators and other local wildlife. Blackgums can be planted in dry or wet soil and prefer full sun.

Small Trees:

Canada Red Chokeberry

Chokeberry is a small deciduous tree that blooms fragrant white flowers in the spring. It can be planted in dry or wet areas and will thrive in either full sun or partial shade. The Chokeberry is a great option for increasing wildlife habitat in your yard.

American Yellowwood

American Yellowwood is a small, deciduous tree characterized by its wide, drooping branches and delicate, white flowers in the spring. True to its name, the leaves turn yellow in the fall. Yellowwoods prefer dry soil and full sun or part shade.

Please place your order by August 31, 2025.

The order form can be found here: https://rootnashville.org/tree-catalog/

Join the team

Thank you to everyone who participates in this initiative to keep our tree canopy intact and robust. Oak Hill has been Root Nashville’s highest-performing area for the last two years. That said, we are seeking someone to serve as a co-captain for our city. If you’re interested, please email hello [at] rootnashville.org (hello[at]rootnashville[dot]org).