Arboretum History
coming soon
Recognition
2010 – Recognized as a Tree Campus Higher Education by the Arbor Day Foundation
2019 – Certified as a Level I ArbNet Arboretum
2020 – Certified as a Level II ArbNet Arboretum
2024 – Certified as a Level III ArbNet Arboretum
Key Milestones
1885 – The Henry Shaw School of Botany was founded at Washington University.
1905 – March 28: The faculty passed the Tree Committee Resolution in support of planting trees on campus.
1908 – Alumni of the University sponsored the planting of 466 trees.
1908 – The oak allée from Brookings Quad to Umrath was called faculty row
1908 – The allée from Umrath to Francis Field was the student row, divided into sections for seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen with seniors closest to the dorm and freshmen closest to the gymnasium.
1909 – Washington University in St. Louis received 90 trees from George Washington’s home at Mt. Vernon: 25 red oaks, 25 chestnut oaks, 40 white oaks. These were planted on the path from Graham Chapel to McMillan
1912 – A Kentucky Coffee tree was planted on the north lawn east of Brookings Hall. The tree was planted to commemorate the Brazilian Pavilion at the World’s Fair. The Governor and a Count and Countess from Brazil were present for the ceremony.
1932 – White Birch were planted in the area south of Wilson Hall (currently the Biology/Psychology courtyard) for George Washington’s 200th Birthday.
1932 – Japanese cherry trees were planted on the East Lawn in front of Brookings Hall.