GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY - CLARKSTON CAMPUS 2025 TREE CARE PLAN
Facilities Management Services and Sustainability Initiatives last updated December 11th, 2024
Introduction
Purpose
The purposes of the Georgia State University Clarkston Campus Tree Care Plan are to:
Provide an easily accessible document outlining the guidelines and procedures used for various operations related to trees on Georgia State University’s Clarkston Campus, Promote a long-lasting healthy diversity of native trees on Georgia State’s Clarkston campus,
Set an example for other Georgia State University campuses to follow, and Encourage the Georgia State community to engage with the natural world.
Responsible Department
The Facilities Department is responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of the Tree Care Plan.
Campus Tree Advisory Committee
The Clarkston Campus Tree Advisory Committee comprises several Georgia State University faculty and staff members, community members, and student representatives The terms of the faculty, staff, and community members are continuous, while the student representatives are appointed by the continuous members of the committee and serve one-year terms. The campus tree advisory committee was formed in September of 2024 and meets quarterly to provide input and improvements for future operations and engage with the Georgia State community to promote trees on campus.
Clarkston Campus’s first Georgia Arbor Day observance, February 14, 2024
Faculty
Members of the Clarkston Campus Tree Advisory Committee 2024-2025
Deniz Ballero, Professor of Life and Earth Sciences
Mark Graves, Assistant Professor and Interim Assoc. Chair of Life and Earth Sciences
Jennifer Roberts, Assistant Professor, Life and Earth Sciences
Marc Zayac, Associate Chair of History, Political Science & African American Studies Staff
Michelle Arth, Director, Admin, College Technology Services
Mary Elizabeth Boucebci, Community-Based Learning Coordinator, Clarkston Campus
Steven Kaczmarczyk, Facilities & Event Services Manager, Perimeter College
Sean Max, Tree Campus Lead, Sustainability Initiatives
Rob Paltz, Grounds Operations Manager, Facilities Building Services
Glenn Pfeifer, Director of Grant Development and Administration, Perimeter College
Susan Ridley, Sr Director of Finances, Admin, and Risk Mgmt , Accounting Services
Jennifer Wilson, Director, Sustainability Initiatives
Community Members
Dave Long, Community Forester, Georgia Forestry Commission
Lindsey Neumann, U&CF Partnership Coordinator, Georgia Forestry Commission Students
Olivia Sanford, B S Geosciences (Environmental Geosciences concentration)
Tree Planting
Pre-Planting Considerations
When planting new trees, certain species of tree should be favored over others based not only on the conditions of the planting site, but also if planting a certain species helps maintain a diverse set of trees on campus. For a general list of species to plant or not plant, see Appendix I: Species Planting Guide.
In general, the following checklist should be used to determine what species of tree, if any, should be planted at a certain site:
Is the species of tree tolerant of the planting conditions?
Is the tree’s tolerance to sun aligned with the amount of sun the location gets?
Can it withstand the heat of the urban environment?
Is it sensitive to urban air and water pollution?
Is the tree an appropriate species for the planting site based on its growth habits?
Will it block streetlights?
Will it block the visibility of cameras?
Will it interfere with underground utilities?
Will it uproot concrete?
Will the tree require special care?
Will it need to be staked?
Will it need fertilizer? If so, what formulation?
Does it need extensive pruning, or will it in the future?
Trees purchased from a nursery should be free of visible defects and infections and should already exhibit good growth conditions before being planted The Urban Tree Foundation’s guide to selecting good nursery trees discusses these growth conditions and can be found at https://www.urbantree.org/pdf/NurseryTreeSpecs1.pdf. The Facilities Department will handle the purchase of all new trees
The time of year should be considered to ensure a young tree does not die due to harsh winter or summer conditions The optimal planting season in north Georgia is from October to March, depending on the species. Georgia Arbor Day, the third Friday in February, is a common day to plant trees, as it allows newly planted trees to avoid most of the winter frosts.
Planting
Planting trees on campus shall follow applicable ANSI A300 guidelines, or if unavailable, follow guidelines created by the Urban Tree Foundation found at https://www.urbantree.org/details planting.shtml.
To plant a tree under normal circumstances (flat ground, no nearby pavement, etc.), dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball, with a depth no deeper than the root ball. Once the root ball is stable in the hole, remove all packaging (ropes, burlap, etc ) and backfill the hole with the soil that was removed. Tamp down the soil enough to stabilize the tree, but do not tightly compact it, so that the tree’s roots can more easily grow outwards from the root ball. Then, a layer of mulch three to four inches thick should be placed over the full width of the hole that was dug out. After planting the tree, record a new point on the tree inventory map.
Arbor Day Foundation guide to digging a hole for planting a tree.
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For planting sites with special considerations (such as steep slopes, parking lots islands, or poor soil conditions), refer to the various diagrams provided by the Urban Tree Foundation at the link provided above.
Newly planted trees should be watered thoroughly throughout their first growing season, so manual watering may need to occur in periods of dry weather. Atlanta’s lowest-precipitation months are March and April, so manual watering for trees planted in February is particularly critical for the long-term health of the tree
Mulching
Mulching shall follow applicable ANSI A300 guidelines, or if unavailable, follow guidelines created by the Urban Tree Foundation found at https://www.urbantree.org/planting4.shtml.
Mulch should be applied at a thickness of three to four inches around a tree, extending to the edge of its canopy Near the roots, mulch can be applied sparingly for aesthetic purposes, but it should be no more than an inch thick to prevent insects or girdling roots from damaging the tree.
It may be appropriate in some cases to dig a small trench around part of a mulch bed to prevent runoff. This can be utilized at planting sites with steep hills.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning shall follow applicable ANSI A300 guidelines, or if unavailable, follow guidelines created by the Urban Tree Foundation found at https://www.urbantree.org/prunehome.shtml.
After planting a new tree, it is likely that the tree will need pruning to promote a single central leader, which will produce a stronger mature tree than one with codominant stems. To do this, identify the central leader and prune branches into a roughly conical shape around the central leader This can be done every few years as a tree grows until the tree reaches a mature size For specifics, see https://www.urbantree.org/Structuralpruning.shtml.
There are two primary types of pruning cuts: reduction cuts, which trim the length of the branch back to another lateral branch, and removal cuts, which fully cut a branch off from its parent branch. A third manner of pruning, heading cuts, trim branches to a set length without regard for other branches. Heading cuts are appropriate only in cases where other methods of pruning are inappropriate (such as in some cases when pruning away from power lines) The practice of reducing a tree’s size by making large heading cuts is called topping and should not be performed as it promotes poor grow patterns. For more information on when to use each type of cut, see https://www urbantree org/Pruningcuts shtml
Examples of different pruning methods, Urban Tree Foundation (https://www urbantree org/Pruningcuts shtml)
Fertilization
Fertilization shall follow applicable ANSI A300 guidelines, or if unavailable, follow HGIC 1000 guidelines found at https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/fertilizing-trees-shrubs/.
Fertilizer should be applied to a tree for a specific reason, rather than as part of a cyclical maintenance plan. Some reasons why fertilizer would be applied to trees on Georgia State’s campus are to treat nutrient deficiencies, promote growth of young trees, or to replace nutrients lost due to raking/blowing leaves
If fertilizer is needed, a soil analysis test should be performed to determine the type of fertilizer needed. Fertilizer should be applied evenly across the entire root zone area of the tree and during the spring or fall months, corresponding to the periods of greatest shoot growth (spring) or root growth (fall). When fertilizer is applied, it is critical to water the tree more regularly; fertilizers require a lot of moisture from the ground for them to dissolve and be taken up by a tree
Pest Management
Tree pest management shall follow guidelines from the Forestry and Christmas Trees section of the Georgia Pest Management Handbook (SB 28-18), found at https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=SB28-18.
Because college campuses are high-traffic areas, signs should be posted in areas treated with chemicals for people to avoid the area. Page 418 of the Georgia Pest Management Handbook has a list of common chemical treatments and their Restricted Entry Intervals, the length of time before it is safe to re-enter a treated area.
Construction
During the design phase of new construction, care should be taken to preserve the campus’ larger, more mature trees. Project managers should attempt to preserve large trees where possible and provide plans that follow DeKalb County ordinances for replacing trees that need to be cut down.
The protection of trees during construction shall follow DeKalb County Code of Ordinances section §14-39(g)(9)
and ANSI A300 guidelines in cases that the Code of Ordinances does not cover. Relevant County codes include but are not limited to:
§14-39(g)(9) b., regarding tree protection zones: “No person engaged in the construction of any structure(s) or improvement (s) or any activity shall encroach or place solvents, material, construction machinery or temporary soil deposits within six (6) feet of the area outside the critical root zone as defined herein, or any existing significant tree within a tree save area, transitional buffer zone, stream buffer, or state buffer zone.”
§14-39(g)(9) d., regarding negligence: “Any tree, designated in the plan to be saved, which is negligently damaged during construction or as a result of negligent construction, as determined by the arborist, shall be treated according to accepted National Arborists Association standards. If fatally damaged, trees shall be replaced with four-inch caliper trees equal to the unit value of the tree removed However, any specimen tree negligently damaged as described above shall be replaced with four-inch caliper trees equal to one and five-tenths (1.5) times the equivalent inches (DBH) of the tree removed or damaged.”
Protection, Preservation, Removal, and Replacement
The DeKalb County Code of Ordinances requires that at least 120 inches DBH or 25 percent of “significant trees” per acre shall be preserved during any project that requires tree removal, unless an exception is granted by the county arborist (§14-39(g) Tree preservation and replacement requirements) During such projects, care should be taken to avoid needlessly damaging trees (see page 12).
Trees may not be removed if they are in a floodplain unless they are found to be diseased or infested by a certified arborist or if they are to be removed as part of a construction or maintenance project (§14-39(g)(10)). As seen on the Georgia Flood Risk Map found at https://map.georgiadfirm.com/floodriskviewer/, this affects only a very small portion of campus, the entirety of which is undeveloped forest
In the case of significant damage to a tree, if necessary, a certified arborist will conduct an assessment to determine a course of action such as removal, pruning, or fertilizing. Any trees that are removed shall be updated on the tree inventory map.
In the case of imminent severe weather such as tornadoes or flooding, all equipment should be prepared for use in clearing any fallen trees. To clear storm damage, Facilities Management Services will work with DeKalb County and third-party contractors when necessary. Access to public services (roads, sewers, etc.) should be restored before access to Georgia State buildings. When replacing trees, at least 50% of replacement trees must be overstory trees, no more than 25% can be of a single species, and no more than 25% can be evergreen trees (§14-39(h)(1)).
Tree Inventory
A comprehensive map helps us easily identify shortcomings in our tree canopy. We can study these areas for future tree-planting initiatives, considering sunlight, space, surroundings, and more to ensure optimal growing conditions. As trees are planted and removed, the Georgia State University Tree Inventory Map should be updated to correspond with changes to the tree landscape Adding a tree to the inventory map requires latitude/longitude coordinates, species identification, diameter measurement, and numerical identification (with a metal tag). The map also has a comments section for any necessary comments.
The map can be found at https://arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html? webmap=81df8af8ed184b52a7c97aa86ada9e08.
Measuring the DBH (Diameter at Breast Height)
A tree’s diameter at breast height should be measured with a measuring tape at a height of 4.5 feet above ground. This can be done directly using a diameter tape, or indirectly by measuring the circumference of the tree with a regular measuring tape and dividing by pi.
Sometimes, the type of tree or the tree’s landscape can change how its diameter is measured:
Straight tree on a slope: Measure 4 5 feet above the uphill end of the tree
Leaning tree: Measure 4.5 feet from the ground along the contour of the tree.
Tree with a swell: Measure just above the swell.
Forked tree: Measure just below the fork
Multi-stemmed tree: Combine the total diameters of all stems at one foot high (adjusting for forks or swells as needed).
Tagging a Tree
Georgia State University uses etchable aluminum metal tags that attach to trees with wire for their tree inventory To attach a tree tag to a mature tree (DBH ≥8 in ), wrap the wire around the nail, then nail the tag into the tree up to the end of the threaded wire. Tags should be placed one inch below where the DBH is measured.
For young trees (DBH <8 in.), tags should not be nailed into the tree. Instead, staple the tag to the tree with normal staples. Once the tree is large and healthy enough to withstand a nail, the staples can be removed, and the tag can be nailed into the tree
For newly planted trees (DBH <2 in.), hang the tag in a conspicuous place on a branch that is unlikely to be pruned.
As the trees grow, nails or staples may become embedded in the tree. Tags should be monitored semi-frequently to ensure they are not affecting the trees’ growth. Once per year, trees should be checked for missing or damaged tags, and tags should be replaced as necessary.
Updating the Map
As trees are planted, removed, and maintained, the inventory map must be kept up to date. Companies that Georgia State University partners with for maintenance will provide us a list of what maintenance was done to which trees as maintenance is performed, which will then be put into the map by Georgia State University staff.
A separate how-to guide will be distributed to any Georgia State staff that will edit the map to ensure a consistent approach to working with the map.
A summary of Georgia State’s annual expenditures dedicated to tree care is as follows:
Georgia State University’s full-time enrollment at the Clarkston Campus in the Fall of 2023 was 3,544 students At $3 per full-time student, the suggested minimum annual expenditure for Tree Campus USA certification is $10,632, which the Clarkston Campus exceeds.
Goals
Projects
Complete Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) grant project "Reforesting the Clarkston Campus," including the planting of 348 trees
Complete tree inventory of Clarkston Campus
Measure soil quality for parking lot tree islands associated with GFC project
Continuously monitor parking lot surface temperatures to measure impact of increased tree canopy on heat island effects
Engagement
Engage with students through the year
Georgia Arbor Day celebration – week of February 21st, 2025
Provide other tree planting opportunities (hosted by GSU, Trees Atlanta, etc )
Awareness through outreach events (tabling)
Assist students in research, service-learning, and class projects (such as the tree inventory and soil sampling projects listed above)
Communication Strategy
Work with Facilities Management Services to integrate tree care plan and tree inventory map into workflow
Discuss procedures outlined in tree care plan with third-party contractors
Post events on Instagram pages (@sustainablegsu, @gsu_gardens) and recap events as blog posts on website (sustainability.gsu.edu)
Create a public comment form tied into tree inventory map (separate from work order form) that allows students to directly connect with staff regarding trees on campus
Connect with professors of GIS classes to make tree inventory data available to students for class projects
Contact The Signal student newspaper once certified as Tree Campus Higher Education
Appendix I: Species Planting Guide
Planting native species should be a priority when planting new trees Not only are native species themselves adapted to their local growing conditions, but they provide critical ecosystem services to other native species (such as pollinators or migratory species) that non-native species may not provide. Maximizing biodiversity in an area requires not just a variety of native species, but also a mix of overstory, mid-story, and understory trees
The following lists are Georgia State University’s preferred tree species to plant on campus, sorted by height category Trees in each height category are further categorized by how much they should be planted:
“Preferred Species, ” for native species that are less abundant on campus
“Less Preferred Species, ” for native species that are abundant on campus or non-native species that are not considered invasive.
“Do Not Plant, ” for invasive species, species with pest concerns, or species with problematic growth patterns (such as a shallow root system that can tear up concrete).
Tree Replanting Credits
The lists of accepted species to plant are not inclusive; they are produced from DeKalb County’s list of trees eligible for replanting credits. Other native species may be appropriate to plant. To see a full list, including species appropriate for parking lots and under power lines, see DeKalb County Code of Ordinances §14-39, Appendix A, available at https://library.municode.com/ga/dekalb_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?
UNDERSTORY TREES typically reach a DBH of ≤15” and a height of ≤30 ft. at maturity. Trees should be given at least 15 ft from the center between other trees
Preferred Species
Native, less abundant species
American chinquapin (Castanea pumila)
Eastern hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis); good under power lines
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida); good under power lines
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana); good under power lines
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp ); keystone genus for butterflies/moths
Silverbell (Halesia diptera)
Smooth alder (Alnus serrulata)
Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
White fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus); good under power lines and in parking lots
Less Preferred Species
Non-native, non-invasive species
Native, abundant species
Alder (Alnus serrulata);
native, high water usage
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei); non-native, abundant
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum); non-native Okame cherry (Prunus x incam ‘Okame’); non-native
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Star Man’); nonnative, good under power lines
Higan cherry (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’); non-native, prone to splitting
Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin); invasive
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia); invasive
MID-STORY/MID-CANOPY TREES typically reach a DBH of 10-25" and a height of 30-60 ft at maturity Trees should be given at least 20 ft from the center between other trees
Preferred Species
Native, less abundant species
6 approved species of maple (Acer spp.); see page 19
American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Cucumber magnolia (Magnolia acuminata)
‘Duraheat’ river birch (Betula nigra ‘Duraheat’); good for parking lots
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Sassafras (Sassafras albidurn)
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana); important pollinator plant
Less Preferred Species
Non-native, non-invasive species
Native, abundant species
Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinesis)
Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea); good for parking lots
Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia); abundant, good in parking lots
Do Not Plant Species
Invasive species
Species with poor growth patterns
Ash (Fraxinus spp ); disease/pest issues
Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera); invasive
Norway maple (Acer plantanoides); shallow root system, prone to fungus
Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa); invasive
Rain tree (Koelreuteria spp.); invasive
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum); shallow root system
White mulberry (Morus alba); invasive, pollen issues
OVERSTORY TREES typically reach a DBH of ≥25” and a height of ≥60 ft. at maturity. Trees should be given at least 25 ft. from the center between other trees.
Preferred Species
Native, less abundant species
17 approved species of oak not otherwise listed (Quercus spp ); see page 19
5 approved species of hickory (Carya spp.); see page 19
American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica); good for retention ponds, parking lots
Carolina basswood (Tilia caroliniana)
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Less Preferred Species
Non-native, non-invasive species
Native, abundant species
American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis); native, susceptible to fungus
Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica); non-native, endangered
Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides); nonnative, endangered
European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus); nonnative
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba); male only
Japanese cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica); nonnative
Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata); non-native, good in parking lots
Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda); native, extremely abundant
Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii); short lifespan, prone to disease
Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra); invasive
Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima); abundant, potentially invasive
Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila); invasive
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima); invasive
White poplar (Populus alba); invasive
Glossary
Branch Collar
The area on the underside of a branch where it connects to the trunk.
Branch Ridge
A raised area of bark on the top side of a branch where the branch and trunk meet
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
Diameter at Breast Height. The measurement of a tree’s diameter at 4½ feet up the trunk.
Fertilizer
Any substance placed to provide nutrients to a tree in addition to those naturally available.
Invasive Species
An organism that causes ecological harm in an environment/ecosystem where it is not native These organisms are usually introduced because of human activity.
Mulch
Organic material spread around a plant to enrich the soil Examples of mulch include pine straw, wood chips, leaf litter, or other materials.
Native Species
An organism that exists in a specific area due to natural events/causes, not human intervention.
Non-native Species
An organism that exists in a specific area due to human intervention. Generally used when the species does not actively cause harm to the ecosystem it was introduced in (as opposed to invasive species, which are also non-native )
Pruning
The process of selectively trimming branches from a tree to guide future growth.
Root Ball
The main mass of roots directly below a plant’s stem that provides most of a plant’s stability.
Tree Canopy
The total ground area that is covered by a tree or group of trees’ branches.
Tree Inventory
A record of the characteristics and types of trees located in a defined area.
