Make it stand out
60 Years / 60 Trees
Celebrating 60 Years
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Arboretum, a team of friends, arborists, master gardeners, Bartlett staff and volunteers have created this self-guided walk featuring 60 trees. According to this group, the spirit and diversity of the Arboretum are well represented by these trees. This is not a complete, comprehensive nor best-of list.
This selection of trees tells a story of growth, resilience, and connection. From maples that predate the Arboretum's founding to specimens collected from around the globe, these trees represent the diversity and wonder of the natural world, as well as the Arboretum’s past, present and future. As you explore, you will learn about their botanical traits, ecological importance, and the role they have played in the Arboretum's six-decade journey.
To register for a 60 Years / 60 Trees guided tour, click here.
Guided Walk: Pollarded Trees
Explore the history of a Bartlett Landmark.
The trees in this grove are pollarded, an old English term that means "crew cut". Pollarding offers a unique and visual feature, keeping trees compact where space is limited. In Dr. Bartlett's day, these trees were used for experimental purposes. Scientists would introduce insects and diseases, monitor their destructive effects, and attempt to remedy these problems with the cutting-edge treatments of that time. At the end of the season, the diseased branches were removed by using the pollarding pruning method.