Components of Neighborhood Arboreta

To Qualify as an Arboretum

1. Each arboretum should begin by identifying 25 tree species. The neighborhood commits to working with Trees Atlanta to increase the number of tree species on a yearly basis.

2. Each neighborhood should determine a guiding theme for their arboretum. This theme can be very specific (for example, “flowering trees” or “fruit and nut trees”) or fairly general (for example, “diversity” or “education”). This theme does not need to limit what trees can be planted in the arboretum, but rather should create a unifying personality for that particular neighborhood.

3. Identify trees in the arboretum.

Each identifying marker must be identical to others located in that arboretum as in regards to material(s) used, the manner in which the marker is mounted or set in the ground, the order and format in which the information is related, the font(s) used, etc. At this time, we are using engraved granite markers that are 8"x 8" x 6".

The tree identification must include both common and scientific (Latin) names.

The marker will include brief descriptive sentence or phrase about the specific tree.

4. Each arboretum will be mapped and described in a companion brochure made available to the public.

5. A granite monument (1' x 1' x 3') that includes the name of the neighborhood, Trees Atlanta, the neighborhood logo, and year of establishment should be placed in a location that makes a logical beginning for the arboretum route.

6. Granite markers with 8" x 8" x 6" dimensions denotate the trees that are in the arboretum walk.

7. Each neighborhood must maintain an Arboretum Board of at least three (3) members. The board will work closely with Trees Atlanta to continue to improve and develop the arboretum. Responsibilities are listed below.

Participate in a "Neighborhood Arboretum" workshop, organized and led by Trees Atlanta.
Maintain an inventory of trees that might be included in the arboretum and select initial and additional locations based on criteria provided by Trees Atlanta.
Secure approvals, as necessary, from homeowners and (with Trees Atlanta's help) the City of Atlanta for tree and marker locations.
Work with Trees Atlanta to create a map of the tree walk.
Install, replace as necessary, and maintain the identification markers.
Assist in creating a brochure describing the arboretum.
Keep local businesses and other appropriate locations supplied with copies of the brochure.
Increase the diversity of trees in the arboretum by coordinating the planting and replacing of trees.
Conduct annual arboretum maintenance and planting project (i.e. for mulching and pruning trees, repairing or replacing markers, etc).
Plan, advertise, and conduct at least one guided tree walk each year.
Participate in bi-annual meetings with Trees Atlanta: one in the spring to discuss maintenance needs and another in the fall to plan new and replacement tree plantings.

Each neighborhood must contribute $10,000 initial start-up funds.This amount will be matched by Trees Atlanta.

Breakdown of Costs for Initial Creation of the Arboretum

Main monument	$1,400
50 markers @ $50	$2,500
Brochure layout	$1,000
Brochure printing (500 copies)	$1,000
10 arboretum trees ($115) *	$5,525
Trees Atlanta staff time**	$8,000
Total:	$19,425

* cost of trees includes 3 years maintenance.

** 2 year commitment- Staff time includes project management, administration, design and development of markers, brochure, and related materials, meetings with neighborhood, guiding arboretum walks, and other educational events.

Future Development of the Arboreta

The items above are enough to begin a neighborhood arboretum; however, this is an on-going project that can continue to grow over time. Trees Atlanta is committed to support this development. Some examples of additions to the arboreta are:

Additional tree plantings
Additional markers
Expansion of arboretum route
Updates and additions to the brochure
Other written or web-based material relating to the arboretum (for example, more detailed information about species)

For more information, contact Program Director Greg Levine.