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  • What’s Blooming?

    Look what’s blooming right now!

    Downy Serviceberry and Redbuds near the entrance to the arboretum. Crews have been working diligently to weed and mulch. It’s a work in progress, but the weather is perfect to walk around and see what’s happening in the City of Dickson Arboretum.

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  • National Invasive Species Awareness Week

    This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Find out more about invasive species, the threat they pose & what can be done to prevent their spread.

    To find a forest health worker in your state, visit the Southern Regional Extension Forestry website at http://southernforesthealth.net/directory.

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  • Exciting New Addition to the Arboretum!

    The City of Dickson Arboretum has a new addition ~ a Bigtooth Aspen, generously donated by area resident Sheryl Eades. Read all about this species here: https://dicksontreeboard.org/bigtooth-aspen/

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  • Dickson Tree Board Members Working Hard

    Members of the Dickson Tree Board have been working hard putting in a small entrance garden at the Arboretum. The soil was hard and compacted, but Warner Taylor powered through it with the help of a tiller. The existing soil was amended before installing a good variety of plants. It’s still a work in progress and the recent rain has helped tremendously. We’ll be in the arboretum every day, watering and maintaining the bed. It’s hard work, but the rewards are great. We hope you enjoy it.

    View from the front – we’re anxiously waiting for them to grow into their space!
    The last plant ready to go in!
    Pretty good soil once we got through the top layer.
    Warner Taylor determined to till up rock-hard soil!
    Preparing for planting
    Amendments!
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  • When Leaves Fall, Bark Takes Center Stage

    Winter often brings a stark, seemingly lifeless landscape. But beneath the snow and bare branches lies a hidden world of beauty – the intricate textures and patterns of tree bark. With leaves absent, the bark takes center stage, revealing its unique characteristics and stories.

    Why Winter is Prime Time for Bark Appreciation

    • Unveiled Beauty: Without the leafy canopy, tree bark becomes fully visible. Its colors, textures, and patterns stand out in the winter sunlight, creating a striking contrast.
    • Identification: Winter is an excellent time to practice tree identification skills. Bark is a key feature, offering clues to a tree’s species, age, and health.
    • Insights: Bark provides a protective layer for trees, shielding them from harsh weather, pests, and diseases. Studying bark can offer insights into a tree’s adaptations and resilience.

    Tips for Appreciating Winter Bark

    • Take a Walk: Explore your local arboreta, parks or forests in winter. Bring a camera or sketchbook to capture the beauty you find.
    • Look Closely: Examine the bark’s texture, color, and patterns. Notice the variations within a single tree and between different species.
    • Learn the Lingo: Familiarize yourself with terms like lenticels, fissures, and scales to better understand bark characteristics.
    • Use Resources: Field guides and online resources can help you identify trees by their bark and learn more about their unique features.

    Winter may seem like a time of dormancy, but it’s also a season of subtle beauty and hidden stories. By taking a closer look at tree bark, you can discover a new appreciation for the natural world and the resilience of trees.

    This is the perfect time of year to visit the City of Dickson Arboretum at Buckner Park, so pick a clear sunny day to wander through and pay attention to the tree bark. The Shagbark Hickory and River Birch are particularly interesting and beautiful.

    Want to know more?

    https://www.americanforests.org/article/the-language-of-bark/

    https://crowspath.org/natural-history/trees/bark/

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  • Good News!

    City of Dickson Arboretum visitors, say hello to 3 new trees! Shortleaf Pine, Sugarberry, and Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia. These trees will all be added to our named trees and count toward the next level of certification. They were all planted by Mike Tummins in the middle section of the arboretum. Many thanks to Bernie and Pamela Harris for the donation of the gorgeous magnolia tree which is a good size. The other two are flagged as they are much smaller. Signage will be added shortly as well as descriptions and photographs on the website.

  • City of Dickson TUFC Certification

    Exciting News from The City of Dickson Arboretum

    We are delighted to announce that the City of Dickson Arboretum has achieved a significant milestone by earning certification for having 30+ identified and named tree species! This certification recognizes our commitment to tree conservation, education, and public engagement.

    Level 1 certification was granted for a period of 5 years by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Requirements for certification included at least 30 identified and labeled tree species from an approved tree list, public access, a narrative detailing a governance and maintenance plan, and an inspection of the arboretum.

    Visitors can now enjoy a self-guided tour through our arboretum, where each tree is labeled with its scientific and common name. Guided tours are also available by appointment. Every label includes a QR code to access more information about specific trees. This achievement not only enhances the educational experience for our guests but also underscores our dedication to preserving and showcasing diverse tree species.

    Everyone is invited to explore our arboretum; whether you’re a tree enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The City of Dickson Arboretum is located in Buckner Park behind the Rotary Pavilion and is open during regular park hours.

    The Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to the City of Dickson, Dickson Parks & Recreation Department and Staff, Dickson Parks & Recreation Board, and Dickson County Sheriff’s Department for all their support, advice, and hard work. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing our efforts to create a thriving and sustainable arboretum for our community.

    Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board

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  • CITY OF DICKSON TUFC CERTIFICATION

    Exciting News from The City of Dickson Arboretum

    We are delighted to announce that the City of Dickson Arboretum has achieved a significant milestone by earning certification for having 30+ identified and named tree species! This certification recognizes our commitment to tree conservation, education, and public engagement.

    Level 1 certification was granted for a period of 5 years by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Requirements for certification included at least 30 identified and labeled tree species from an approved tree list, public access, a narrative detailing a governance and maintenance plan, and an inspection of the arboretum.

    Visitors can now enjoy a self-guided tour through our arboretum, where each tree is labeled with its scientific and common name. Guided tours are also available by appointment. Every label includes a QR code to access more information about specific trees. This achievement not only enhances the educational experience for our guests but also underscores our dedication to preserving and showcasing diverse tree species.

    Everyone is invited to explore our arboretum; whether you’re a tree enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The City of Dickson Arboretum is located in Buckner Park behind the Rotary Pavilion and is open during regular park hours.

    The Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to the City of Dickson, Dickson Parks & Recreation Department and Staff, Dickson Parks & Recreation Board, and Dickson County Sheriff’s Department for all their support, advice, and hard work. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing our efforts to create a thriving and sustainable arboretum for our community.

    Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board

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  • A Beautiful Day among the Trees

    Work continues in the Arboretum in a bid for certification. The area is freshly mowed by our spectacular city mowers so take a leisurely walk through for some fresh air and serenity.

  • August in the Arboretum

    A quiet walk among the trees is just what you need. Come early to enjoy the cool morning. Walk softly to get a glimpse of local wildlife. Listen carefully for the wind in the branches.

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    August in the Arboretum
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  • Knoxville begins effort to grow city’s tree canopy by 2040

    https://www.wate.com/news/knox-county-news/knoxville-begins-effort-grow-citys-tree-canopy-by-2040

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  • 2024 Tulip Poplar Service Project

    Many hands make light work…and we had a full crew of volunteers to package tree seedlings on Saturday. The Dickson Beautification & Tree Management Board would like to thank our helpers from Tennessee Forestry, UT Extension Dickson and Humphries Counties 4H members, Gardening Partners, Dickson Parks Department, and our board members. It was a fun project and we packaged over 950 trees to be given out to 4th graders in both counties. We all had some great conversations and made some new friends. Can’t wait for next year!

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  • “Tree Appreciation”

    Enjoy this short video of Tom Lee Park with Wes Hopper in Memphis, TN