Landscaping in Atlanta, GA: A Local Guide to Beautiful, Practical Yards

Landscaping in Atlanta, GA is different from landscaping in many other parts of the country. The city’s hot, humid summers, mild winters, heavy rain at times, dense red clay soil, and a mix of sun and shade under mature trees all shape what works—and what doesn’t—in an Atlanta yard.

Whether you’re a homeowner in Buckhead, a renter in Midtown with a small patio, or new to a house in Decatur or West End, this guide walks through what you need to know about landscaping in Atlanta, Georgia, from plants and design ideas to local rules and resources.

Atlanta’s Climate and Soil: What You’re Working With

Climate Basics

Atlanta sits in the humid subtropical zone. For landscaping, that means:

• Hot, humid summers (often in the 90s°F, with strong sun)
• Mild winters with occasional freezes and rare snow
• Heavy rain events and thunderstorms, especially in spring and summer
• Growing season from roughly March through November

Because of this, Atlanta landscaping tends to focus on:

• Heat-tolerant, drought-tough plants
• Good drainage and erosion control
• Plants that can handle periodic heavy rain without rotting

Atlanta’s Red Clay Soil

Most of metro Atlanta sits on dense red clay. It holds water, compacts easily, and can be tough for roots.

Typical red clay issues:

• Poor drainage if not graded properly
• Roots struggle in compacted soil
• Hard, cracked ground in summer; sticky in winter

Common solutions:

• Mixing in organic matter (compost, leaf mold) before planting
• Using raised beds for vegetables and ornamentals
• Aerating lawns regularly
• Choosing plants already adapted to clay soils

If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, you can contact the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension – Fulton County at (404) 613-7670 (or your county’s extension office) for soil testing kits and guidance.

Landscaping Styles That Work Well in Atlanta

There’s no single “right” way to landscape in Atlanta, but some styles fit the climate, water limits, and neighborhood feel better than others.

1. Traditional Southern Landscape

Features often seen in older intown neighborhoods:

• Foundation shrubs like azaleas, camellias, and boxwoods
• Shade trees such as oaks, magnolias, and crape myrtles
• Lawn areas (often fescue in shade or warm-season grasses in sun)
• Flowering borders with daylilies, hostas, hydrangeas

Best for:
Homeowners wanting a classic, established look that fits well in areas like Virginia-Highland, Druid Hills, and parts of Buckhead.

2. Native and Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

Using plants that evolved in Georgia’s Piedmont region can make landscaping lower maintenance and better for wildlife.

Common native choices:

• Trees: American holly, river birch, red maple, dogwood
• Shrubs: oakleaf hydrangea, sweetspire, inkberry holly
• Perennials: coneflower, black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, bee balm
• Groundcovers: Georgia aster, creeping phlox, woodland phlox

Benefits:

• Often more drought-tolerant
• Support bees, butterflies, and birds
• Usually need less fertilizer and pesticides

The Atlanta Botanical Garden and local organizations like Trees Atlanta offer plant lists and examples of native plantings throughout the city.

3. Low-Water and “Smart” Landscapes

With Atlanta’s occasional droughts and recurring water-use restrictions, many homeowners look for water-wise landscaping.

Typical elements:

• Reduced lawn area
• Drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials
• Drip irrigation instead of overhead sprinklers
• Thick mulch to hold moisture and suppress weeds

Good plant choices (non-invasive, commonly used in Atlanta):

• Shrubs: loropetalum, abelia, nandina (non-fruiting cultivars), distylium
• Perennials: lantana, sedum, salvia, ornamental grasses
• Groundcovers: mondo grass, liriope, creeping thyme (in sunny areas)

4. Small Urban Yards and Courtyards

In areas like Midtown or Old Fourth Ward, yards can be compact or mostly paved. Landscaping can still be impactful:

• Container gardens with herbs, annuals, or dwarf shrubs
• Vertical gardens and trellised vines along fences
• Potted evergreen shrubs for privacy on patios or balconies
• Shade-loving plants under large trees, like ferns and hostas

Key priority: Make every square foot multi-functional—for example, a small seating area framed by evergreen shrubs and a simple gravel or paver path.

Best Grass Types for Atlanta Lawns

Picking the right grass for Atlanta’s climate and your yard’s sun exposure is crucial. Here’s a simplified comparison:

In many Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Bermuda is common for sunny front yards
• Zoysia is popular for a high-end look with better shade tolerance
• Tall fescue often appears in heavily shaded yards and is usually overseeded in fall

Before you commit, check how much of your yard gets at least 6 hours of sun. That will guide your best option.

Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers That Thrive in Atlanta

Shade Trees and Small Accent Trees

Strong performers in Atlanta’s climate:

• Shade trees: Willow oak, red maple, southern magnolia, tulip poplar
• Smaller ornamental trees:
  • Flowering dogwood
  • Redbud
  • Japanese maple (best in partial shade)
  • Crape myrtle (needs sun)

Atlanta is proud of its urban tree canopy. When removing or planting trees, be aware that the City of Atlanta Arborist Division (often reached via the city’s general information line at (404) 330-6000) has tree protection ordinances, especially for large or “significant” trees.

Shrubs and Hedges

Popular shrubs around Atlanta homes:

• Evergreens: boxwood, hollies, loropetalum, distylium, tea olive
• Flowering shrubs: azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, spirea
• Hedges/privacy: wax myrtle, tea olive, holly varieties, ‘Nellie Stevens’ holly

In older neighborhoods with lots of shade, azaleas and camellias are almost a standard feature.

Perennials and Seasonal Color

Long-lasting color for Atlanta beds:

• Perennials: black-eyed Susan, daylilies, coneflowers, hostas, coral bells, salvia
• Annuals for summer: vinca, zinnias, begonias, impatiens (for shade)
• Cool-season annuals: pansies, violas, snapdragons from fall to spring

Many homeowners switch out annuals twice a year (spring/summer and fall/winter) to keep entryways and front beds colorful.

Dealing With Slopes, Drainage, and Erosion in Atlanta Yards

Many Atlanta neighborhoods are hilly, and heavy rains can cause runoff and erosion.

Common solutions:

• Terracing: Adding low retaining walls to break steep slopes into usable flat areas
• Groundcovers: Planting dense plants like mondo grass, liriope, or creeping juniper to hold soil
• Dry creek beds: Rock-lined swales that direct stormwater safely across your yard
• French drains: Perforated pipes buried under gravel to carry water away from houses and wet spots

If water is pooling near your foundation or flowing toward your home, it’s important to address grading and drainage before investing heavily in planting. In some cases, you may need professional assessment.

Watering, Irrigation, and Atlanta’s Outdoor Water Rules

Atlanta’s water use is sometimes restricted during periods of drought. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management typically set guidelines.

Common patterns (may vary by year and drought level):

• Limits on days and times you can irrigate lawns
• Allowances for hand-watering new plantings or using soaker hoses
• Encouragement of water-efficient systems

Smart watering tips for Atlanta:

• Water deeply but infrequently (about 1 inch per week, including rain, for most lawns)
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
• Use mulch around plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
• Consider drip irrigation for beds and foundation plantings

You can contact the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (main customer service line often listed around (404) 546-0311) to confirm current watering guidelines in city limits. If you live in another part of metro Atlanta, check your local county water department.

Atlanta Landscaping and Local Regulations

Depending on where you live in or around Atlanta, there can be rules and permits affecting landscaping.

Key points to consider:

• Tree removal:

  • The City of Atlanta has a tree protection ordinance.
  • Permits are often required to remove larger or “protected” trees, even on private property.
  • Contact the City of Atlanta Arborist Division through the Department of City Planning or via the city’s main number at (404) 330-6000 for questions.

• HOA rules:

  • Many neighborhoods (especially in suburbs like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or planned communities) have homeowners’ association guidelines.
  • These can cover lawn height, fencing, plant types, and front yard appearance.

• Right-of-way areas:

  • Strip of land between sidewalk and street may be partially controlled by the city or county.
  • There may be rules about what you can plant there, especially regarding visibility and utilities.

Before major changes—like removing big trees, adding a retaining wall, or altering drainage—verify whether a permit or professional review is needed.

DIY vs. Hiring Help for Landscaping in Atlanta

When DIY Works Well

Tasks many Atlanta homeowners successfully handle themselves:

• Planting flowers, small shrubs, and container gardens
• Spreading mulch and basic bed cleanup
• Simple edging and pruning of smaller plants
• Installing small raised beds for herbs or vegetables

DIY is usually enough for:

• Refreshing curb appeal before selling
• Modest updates in relatively flat, small yards
• Maintaining an existing design

When to Consider Professional Help

You may want to consult a landscape designer, architect, or contractor if:

• Your yard has serious drainage or erosion issues
• You are adding or modifying retaining walls, patios, or major hardscapes
• You want a comprehensive design with irrigation, lighting, and plantings
• You’re unsure about tree health or removal requirements in Atlanta

Professionals familiar with Atlanta’s codes, soil, and plants can often prevent costly mistakes, especially on sloped lots or older properties with large trees.

Year-Round Landscaping Calendar for Atlanta, GA

A general seasonal guide to help you plan:

Late Winter (February–Early March)

• Prune many summer-flowering shrubs and crape myrtles (if needed)
• Cut back ornamental grasses
• Plan and design new beds
• Begin pre-emergent weed control for lawns if desired

Spring (March–May)

• Plant most trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Install warm-season grass sod (Bermuda, zoysia) as soil warms
• Add mulch around beds
• Start seasonal color plantings (annuals)

Summer (June–August)

• Focus on watering, mulching, and weeding
• Monitor for heat stress on new plantings
• Lightly prune to maintain shape (avoid heavy pruning in extreme heat)

Fall (September–November)

• Ideal time to plant trees and shrubs in Atlanta
• Seed or overseed fescue lawns
• Plant many perennials and spring-blooming bulbs
• Refresh mulch and remove dead annuals

Winter (December–January)

• Plan larger projects for spring
• Prune select dormant trees and shrubs (timing depends on species)
• Maintain leaf cleanup, especially away from foundations and drains

Local Resources for Atlanta-Area Landscaping

A few reliable, non-commercial places to turn for more localized help:

• UGA Cooperative Extension – Fulton County

  • Phone: (404) 613-7670
  • Help with soil tests, plant questions, and pest identification.

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation

  • Oversees city parks and many public greenspaces; helpful for understanding native plants and tree programs in public areas.

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning, Arborist Division

  • Reachable through (404) 330-6000
  • Guidance on tree removal permits, planting requirements, and tree ordinances.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (Piedmont Park area)

  • Offers classes and demonstration gardens showing what grows well in Atlanta’s climate.

• Trees Atlanta

  • Active in tree planting and education across neighborhoods; useful for understanding tree selection and care.

A well-planned Atlanta landscape balances beauty, practicality, and local conditions—heat, humidity, clay soil, and all. By choosing plants suited to metro Atlanta, designing with slopes and drainage in mind, and understanding local rules and resources, you can create an outdoor space that looks good and works well through every Georgia season.