The Most Common Types of Trees

Live Oak and is found all over the state. This tree benefits from high water levels, making it a popular choice for people living near rivers or along the coast. The Live Oak tree is considered an evergreen tree in Savannah, meaning that it does not drop its leaves in the autumn when most trees do. The Live Oak produces acorns and is one of several oaks found in the area.  

The Silver Maple is known for its long drooping branches, which can cause severe damage to structures or power lines. It was originally from Northern China but is now the most common tree of American forest land. 

This tree species is a fast grower and only gets pollinated by insects, so its seeds do not travel far, usually dropping very close to the parent plant. A new set of roots can be produced from the base of a branch, meaning a Silver Maple can grow in many different locations. If a branch doesn't have enough sunlight, it will wither and die. 

The leaves are green in color during most seasons but turn red in autumn before falling off. A silver maple tree sprouts small flowers called catkins which produce tan-brown seeds called samaras. 

In the Savannah, GA area, you might see a tree that looks like maple with red leaves. The foliage is dense and broad, and it has a vast growing crown. This tree likes moist soil with at least some clay or loam, but if its roots are not watered, they will dry out.  It gets to be about 50-60 feet tall and can live to be 200 years old. 

The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a large flowering evergreen tree that usually reaches 70 feet but can get as tall as 100 feet. The tree has a pyramidal shape when young but matures into a broad-spreading form. Its leaves are shiny dark green and have silver underneath that prevents scorching from direct sunlight. 

The Southern Magnolia blooms during the early summer with large, waxy white flowers about five inches across. These trees produce a light and sweet fruit that animals and people love. 

The most common type of tree in a Savannah, GA climate is the Long Leaf Pine, also known as Pinus palustris.  This large evergreen reaches between 50 and 80 feet at maturity with a diameter of up to 3 feet.  Long Leaf Pines grow well in acidic soils, where they spread out their branches. 

It can be found primarily on high ground areas because they cannot handle flooding or standing water. Although they can grow up to 100 feet tall, rarely would they ever get this tall. They are most typically found at 20-30 feet tall.  The tree branches spread far out and form a complete canopy that gives excellent shade for people or animals to relax during the hot summer months. 

The Tree of Heaven thrives in water areas and is one of the tallest Savannah GA trees. This tree reaches heights of up to 200 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet.

The American Sweetgum can be found all over Georgia and has ridged bark on its trunk. This tree grows to heights of up to 100 feet with a diameter of around 3 feet. These trees produce fruit known as "sweet gumballs." 

The Longleaf Pine's needles are dark green on top and pale blue underneath, with only one of the three needles of each group having a sheath. The Longleaf Pine is grown widely as a Christmas tree. This tree reaches heights of between 50 and 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot. This tree's needles are dark green on top, pale underneath, and are attached to the branch in threes. The tree is mainly grown for ornamental appeal, as its wood is not suitable for construction or paper making.  

This tree has an average height of 40 to 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot. This tree's leaves are dark green on top and shiny underneath with prominent veins. The American Beech can be found in the wild but is mainly grown as an ornamental tree. This tree grows best in areas with moist soil and total sun exposure.  

The Loblolly Pine grows best in areas with sandy soil, well-drained and acidic. This tree reaches heights of between 40 and 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot. The Loblolly Pine's needles are attached singly to the branch in threes. These trees grow faster than most pine trees and can be tapped for sap.