local
Tree with pretty pink flowers is pretty bad, UGA extension agents say
By Berndt Petersen at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
Mary Sheffield says looks can definitely be deceiving. “The first time I saw one, I was a child. I probably didn’t know,” Sheffield said. She’s Paulding County’s UGA Extension Coordinator, and she didn’t know something so pretty could do some pretty ugly things.“How many are there in Georgia?” Ch...
Key takeaway I probably didn’t know,” Sheffield said.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The presence of mimosa trees in Atlanta area yards and along roadways poses a significant threat to native species and local ecosystems. As an invasive species, these trees can outcompete native trees for resources, leading to a decline in biodiversity. The toxic seed pods they produce are also a concern for pet owners and farmers in the area. Given the tree's ability to grow up to 50 feet tall and regrow from cut stumps, removal efforts will require a concerted effort from homeowners, local governments, and environmental organizations. Atlanta residents who value the tree's pink flowers may be willing to consider alternative, native species that provide similar aesthetic benefits without the environmental drawbacks. By replacing mimosa trees with native species, residents can help preserve the local ecosystem and protect the area's natural beauty for future generations. This is a chance for the community to come together and promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to landscaping.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Mary Sheffield says looks can definitely be deceiving. “The first time I saw one, I was a child. I probably didn’t know,” Sheffield said. She’s Paulding County’s UGA Extension Coordinator, and she didn’t know something so pretty could do some pretty ugly things.“How many are there in Georgia?” Ch...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Berndt Petersen at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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