Urban & Community Forestry Collection
The Arboretum's largest collection consists of over six dozen specimens chosen for their durability as street trees and park trees in urban settings. Because urban environments and uses change, and because trees that once were thought to have qualities that made them suitable for urban use have since been found wanting, some of the trees in the collection would not now be recommended for community forestry purposes. Although it has not done so for some time, the Arboretum may add tree species that make the contemporary urban grade to this collection from time to time.
The collection includes some of the earliest Arboretum plantings, and features some of its lovliest views. Although it may certainly be enjoyed by ordinary citizens, the collection is of special interest to municipal tree stewards, tree wardens, tree boards, park managers, and recreation superintendants. Several memorial benches are located here.
