Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of Focal Point Quarterly, our seasonal newsletter sharing what’s happening at the nursery, insights into thoughtful tree selection and placement, and the stories behind Focal Point Trees.
This issue is particularly meaningful as we celebrate 40 years of growing with purpose.
What's Hot at the Nursery
Trees bring beauty, character, and lasting value to a landscape. This season, we're highlighting three ways Focal Point Trees helps property owners achieve their goals.
Specimen Japanese Maples
For those looking to make an immediate impact, our collection includes exceptional, one-of-a-kind Japanese Maples, many 15 to 40 years old. Their mature size, distinctive form, and beautiful foliage make them remarkable focal points in residential and commercial landscapes.
Explore our specimen Japanese Maples.
Privacy Plantings
Privacy doesn't have to come at the expense of beauty. Osmanthus, hollies, arborvitae, and other thoughtfully selected trees and shrubs can create attractive natural screening. The key is finding the right plants for the available space, sunlight, soil, and moisture conditions.
Learn more about privacy plantings.
Memorial Trees
A tree can become a meaningful and enduring tribute to someone special. From Japanese Maples to other specimen trees, we help families and organizations select living memorials that honor loved ones and create beautiful places for remembrance.
Discover our memorial tree projects.
Right Tree. Right Place.
Successful planting begins long before a tree goes into the ground.
John Shearouse evaluates site conditions, including available space, drainage, soil, sunlight, moisture, wind, and surrounding vegetation, to help determine where a tree will have the best opportunity to thrive.
Our focus is on long-term success, not simply how a planting looks on day one.
Looking Ahead to Fall Color
Few trees rival the beauty of Japanese Maples in autumn. As their foliage transforms into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, these exceptional trees become living works of art.
Discover more in The Enchanting Beauty of Japanese Maples in the Fall.
Rooted in Legacy: Celebrating 40 Years
Focal Point Trees began as Shearouse Nursery in 1986 on family land in Lavonia, Georgia.
What started with seeds, raised beds, and a desire to make the land productive has grown into four decades of propagation, research, specimen tree production, and hands-on experience.
The story behind the nursery is one of family, resilience, and a lasting connection to the land.
Read Rooted in Legacy: The Story of Focal Point Trees.
Explore the Full Summer Newsletter
View the original two-page edition of Focal Point Quarterly, including nursery photographs, featured trees, and the stories behind our work.
Ready to plan a planting project?
Whether you're considering a statement specimen, a privacy planting, or a meaningful memorial tree, we'd love to help.
Contact John Shearouse at 706-356-1624 or shearouse989@gmail.com.