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.
A Beautiful Day among the Trees
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.
Knoxville begins effort to grow city’s tree canopy by 2040
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.
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!
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.
“Tree Appreciation”
Enjoy this short video of Tom Lee Park with Wes Hopper in Memphis, TN
A Surprising Plant Group – Enjoy this article from Tennessee Smart Yards
Arboretum Certification
Dickson Tree Management & Beautification Board is currently striving to update the City of Dickson Arboretum and attain certification via Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. We hope to complete the process for Level 1 Certification in 2024 to provide a welcoming and educational setting for visitors to learn about trees in a relaxed and tranquil setting.
Tennessee Arboretum Certification Requirements & Levels
General Requirements
- Accurately identify at least 30 distinct tree species.
- Meet criteria for Level 1.
- Location must be open to the public. Special consideration for private sites is available.
- Trees are and will be maintained in good health.
- Protect trees from string trimmer and mower damage (through communication with maintenance, markings, mulch, or protection device).
- Mulch, if used, must not touch the tree’s trunk.
- Newly planted trees must be watered on a regular schedule.
- All trees are to be labeled with both their scientific/botanical and common names.
The scientific/botanical name must be underscored or in italics. The current edition (6) of Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants is the Style Manual for names and labeling format. Other descriptive information is not required.
- Tree labels must be easy to read and located near tree.
Place tree labels on or directly adjacent to each tree. Staked tree labels are preferred; however, tags can also be hung from limbs or embedded in trunks using aluminum nails or screws at a readable height. Steel screws or nails are not recommended. Spacing-springs are optional, but need to be placed in front of the sign
- Trees located within or overhanging high-use areas must be in safe condition and inspected regularly for potential hazards.
- If a tree poses a safety risk, then corrective actions must be taken.
- The TUFC Certified Arboretum sign must be posted and maintained.
- Re-certification is required every 3 years.
New Plantings for 2024
In the coming new year, The Dickson Tree Management & Beautification Board will work toward adding new tree species and replacing some that were lost. Additions to the arboretum will be carefully chosen to grow our collection. We are happy to hear recommendations for future selections from local citizens.
The following table from TUFC lists trees that cannot be planted in the arboretum due to their invasive status.
Dickson Tree Management & Beautification Board 