UT Extension Arboretum at Ellington

Visit one of only a handful of arboretums in the state of Tennessee and help it grow by volunteering as a tree steward! Established by The Master Gardeners of Davidson County (MGofDC), The Arboretum at Ellington Agricultural Center is currently certified as a Level 2 arboretum, which requires at least sixty separate species. There are sixty-four different species of trees from the ornamental to the majestic, with something for everyone to enjoy!

Relax in the serenity of nature by stopping by the sitting area within a grove of Eastern Hemlock trees. Or find the bench housed within a skirt of branches that have fallen from the Little Leaf linden tree for a charming spot for all in the community to enjoy.

Establishment

The Master Gardeners of Davidson County (MGofDC) were inspired to establish an arboretum after a straight-line wind toppled over fifty trees at the UT Extension Regional Office in 2020. The idea was accepted by the regional office, and the arboretum was certified by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) in the Fall of 2023 after a three-year process of establishment.

Composition

The arboretum is vast and full of variety. Over sixty varieties of trees are represented including fourteen different species of Oak trees, three different species of Maple trees, three different species of Hickory trees, and three different species of Holly trees. Showy ornamentals include a Fringe tree, Serviceberry tree, Red Buckeye tree and Magnolia Grandiflora trees. Some of the trees, such as the Sawtooth Oak and Black Walnut, are likely over 200 years old.

Some of the trees have their own stories… Four Japanese Cedar trees are known as the “Four Fathers” in honor of the fathers of four staff members working at the UT Extension Regional Office. A Black Walnut and Hackberry tree have grown together and are fondly referred to as “Friends for Life.”

Educational Efforts

Visitors can increase their knowledge via QR codes on each tree guiding visitors to more information. Homeowners who are considering purchasing a tree for their own yard can also benefit from seeing a vast sample of trees that thrive in the county.

The Arboretum has also been hosting field trips for local elementary schools to contribute to the education and appreciation of trees for youth in Davidson County and plans to expand these efforts.

Maintenance

The arboretum has been successful thanks to the effort of MGofDC volunteers who serve as “tree stewards.” They have adopted each of the trees and are responsible for watering, weeding, and watching the tree’s development, letting the Arboretum Committee know if a tree is under stress or has been damaged so that further action can be taken. This program has been essential since the first three years of a tree’s life are crucial to its long-term survival.