For 13 years, members of the Watkinsville, Ga.-based Society of Municipal Arborists have selected the Urban Tree of the Year, recognizing one tree annually for its unique abilities to adapt to harsh conditions and exhibit strong ornamental traits. This year's choice is the black tupelo, a deciduous tree with glossy leaves, blue fruit and bright fall color. The tree grows natively from Maine to Florida. City foresters often use the tree for swales or other sites prone to seasonal flood and drought cycles, but less frequently for streetscapes because they grow slowly (approximately 45 feet tall and 25 feet wide) and are difficult to transplant.