A “Tree Garden” at Buckner Park

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An Arboretum is sometimes referred to as a “tree garden”, but it is much more than that. To be certified as a Level I Arboretum in the State of Tennessee, an Arboretum must contain a minimum of 30 trees; must be open to the public; and must have a path laid out that is easy to follow and safe to hike. Signs can be attached to the trees using screws that will only touch the outermost bark of the tree, hung from their branches, or placed in the ground.
Each Arboretum is unique. Some emphasize the trail and some the trees. Some are sponsored by universities or are part of a Nature Center, while others are small community-based projects. They all share one thing in common though, they are there to be enjoyed and to be utilized.
Feel free to wander along the paths at your own pace. Take the time to enjoy the wildflowers or vistas that are there. Watch for the deer or other wildlife that populate the trail area. Bring your camera and take pictures. There is something to see every season.
Wildflowers and butterflies are everywhere in the months from May to Oct. Birds greet visitors with songs as they flit between the trees. Summer brings new life and an abundance of plant life; wildflowers and trees awaken from winter’s slumber. Autumn carries its golden promise from tree to tree. Who can resist a walk among fallen leaves? Winter stillness blankets the trail making the walk a pleasant respite from life’s daily stresses.

In the coming months, the Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board will be making improvements to the city arboretum at Buckner Park; replacing some trees, adding new ones, and installing new signs to identify our trees. Make some time to visit. Stroll around the paths (careful – they are a bit rough in spots) and get to know our trees. Our goals for 2024 include making the arboretum a nice place to spend some time and recertifying the Arboretum.