The University of Maryland Arboretum is comprised of 6,550 currently inventoried trees. Each tree has a unique identification number with which maintenance, health issues and treatment, and accession information including source and date of planting may be tracked. A representative selection of 52 tree species is labeled and included on this central campus tree walk. Species indigenous to Maryland are indicated as Maryland natives on display labels.

Oaks, (Quercus spp.), comprise the largest related group of trees on campus with 19.5 percent of the total collection. Willow oak (Quercus phellos), is the most plentiful single species. The campus is also home to a seedling of the Wye Oak, the best known representative of white oak (Quercus alba), the state tree of Maryland. A picturesque white oak, approximately 80 years of age and located in the foreground of the Memorial Chapel, is included on this walk.

Urban environments offer unique challenges to tree health. Maintained trees contribute much toward improving the urban environment. Shade and cooling effects, pollutant capture, carbon sequestration and storm water impact abatement are all benefits of a managed canopy of trees. Regular maintenance of the campus arboretum collection includes integrated pest management, pruning for hazard reduction and aesthetics, soil monitoring and fertilization, and protection of root systems from compaction and construction. New plantings are made with a focus on University of Maryland sustainability goals; native and adaptive species are selected where possible with diversity of the collection as a primary goal.

We invite you to use this guide and other University of Maryland resources to learn about our trees and to promote a better awareness and understanding of the role trees play in improving our environment. Enjoy your walk.