The Arboretum provides for living memorials through the dedication of specimen trees. While the tree, its source and siting are determined by the Curator, after consultation with the donor, there is a range of both tree species and sites from which the selection can be made. Our goal is to select a tree that will thrive under local conditions, fit well with the themes of The Arboretum, and elicit the memory of the honoree through the type of tree, its location, or both. Longevity Memorial/Honorary trees are considered a living memorial with a finite longevity.

Example / template for a sign for an honorary tree

Under most circumstances and with the proper care, most trees typically live for decades. Every effort will be made to maintain the tree in the best of health to ensure its maximum lifespan. If the chosen tree dies within 25 years of planting, the Arboretum will replace it with another of the same or similar kind. The staff and Curator are responsible for any and all care the tree receives. Tree Labels Memorial/Honorary Trees are labeled with the same permanent 3 x 5 inch display labels used throughout the Arboretum–i.e., photo-metal, aluminum labels mounted directly on or staked next to the specimen. Each label displays the following: First line: common name in 24 pt Bold Times Roman Font Second line: Latin name in 18 pt italics Third line: common family name and Latin family name in 18 pt Times Roman Font Fourth line: Geographical location in 18 pt Times Roman Font Fifth line: “Given in memory of (or in honor of) Jane Doe”–14 pt Times Roman Font or if the name is lengthy a reduced font size may be used to allow the text to fit Sixth line- “By the Doe Family” or other group making the donation. Additional notes: 1) a blank line is inserted between the plant information and the memorial/honorary information; 2) all text will be centered on plate; 3) for those trees that are native to Virginia, a state map will be added to the right of the common name on the first line Tree labels will be maintained and replaced throughout the lifetime of the tree (see above). Donation Amount Memorial/Honorary trees are available for a donation of $1,200 each. This amount is used to purchase the tree, plant it, fabricate and attach the label, with the remaining monies going into a restricted Collections Maintenance Endowment managed by the Foundation of the State Arboretum. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with accounts reviewed on a yearly basis. Contact Information To inquire about Memorial/Honorary Trees please contact: T'ai H. Roulston, Curator Blandy Experimental Farm 400 Blandy Farm Lane Boyce, Virginia 22620 Phone: (540) 837-1758 Ext. 276 E-mail: thr8z@virginia.edu Checks should be made out to the “Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia.”