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Centennial

Centennial Tree Planting Initiative

Planting 3,000 trees for the next century

Trees for the next century

To celebrate its Centennial, The Morton Arboretum is planting 3,000 trees throughout the seven-county Chicago region through spring 2023.

The Arboretum’s Centennial Tree Planting Initiative provides trees that will grow and spread their branches, making communities more beautiful and improving people’s lives for the next century and beyond. In the midst of a changing climate and other threats, the trees are essential to improve the urban forest and provide a multitude of benefits to people and the environment: cleaner air, energy savings, stormwater management, increased shade, improved mental health, greater support for wildlife and natural ecosystems, and more sheer beauty.

Partnering with Communities

The Arboretum is committed to partnering with communities and organizations in areas where trees are needed most.

The Arboretum’s Centennial tree planting initiative was funded entirely through philanthropic gifts to the Arboretum. Donations are needed to fund ongoing, annual tree-planting efforts through the Chicago Region Trees Initiative.

Trees for Communities

Helping Landowners Replace Trees
Lost to Tornado

Landowners in the communities of Naperville, Woodridge, Darien, and unincorporated Downers Grove Township who lost trees in the June 20, 2021, tornado were provided with almost 300 free trees through the Initiative in spring 2022.

Tornado Relief

Landowners in the communities of Woodridge, Naperville, Darien, and unincorporated Downers Grove Township who lost trees in the June 20, 2021, tornado were able to request free trees on a first-come, first-served basis. Landowners who will receive the trees were notified during the fall of 2021 and will pick up their trees in their communities in spring 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees for their growth success. The Morton Arboretum will work with partners in the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the ArbNet network of arboreta, schools, and many communities and organizations to plant 520 trees in spring 2022, and the rest in fall 2022 and spring 2023 in the seven-county region. This includes more than 300 designated for Woodridge, Darien, Naperville, and unincorporated Downers Grove, which were impacted by the June 20, 2021, tornado.

  • Schools, municipal governments, park districts, and other organizations in the seven-county Chicago region interested in requesting trees as part of the Arboretum’s Centennial Tree Planting Initiative may complete this application form. Each site needs space for at least 10 trees. The requesting organizations are responsible for the care of the trees after they are planted.

  • Planting 3,000 Trees for the Next Century will improve the Chicago region urban forest and provide a multitude of benefits to people and the environment for years to come, including cleaner air, energy savings, stormwater management, shade, improved mental health, support for wildlife and natural ecosystems, and sheer beauty. The Chicago region lost millions of trees to drought, pests, and diseases over the past decade, and the Arboretum will continue to work with its partners in the Chicago Region Trees Initiative to plant more trees in years to come.

  • Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees for their growth success. The Morton Arboretum will work with partners in the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the ArbNet network of arboreta, schools, and many communities and organizations to plant 520 trees in spring 2022, and the rest throughout 2022 and 2023. This includes 330 designated for tornado relief.

  • Tree selection is based on ensuring diversity, planting the right tree in the right place, and providing the right care to survive and thrive long-term. Among them will be 60 Centennial™ lindens, a special tree cultivar (Tilia ‘Zamoyskiana’ Centennial™ ) propagated by the Arboretum from small scions, or twigs, collected from trees at the Kórnik Gardens and Arboretum in Poland in 1934. The tree is rare in the U.S. and the Chicago region, but soon to have more of a presence. It was chosen for its adaptability to the Midwest climate, horticultural potential due to its tall but graceful habit, and relative resistance to Japanese beetles. Other species include maples, oaks, buckeys, elms, and serviceberries, among others.

Trees for the Next Century

The Centennial Tree Planting Initiative exemplifies the Arboretum’s commitment to planting the right tree in the right place, and providing the right care for trees to survive long-term. Arboretum experts will choose the right species of trees to thrive in each of the many, varied planting sites. The Arboretum will provide training and resources to help partners plant and care for the trees during the first three years, a critical time for new saplings. The knowledge that is spread through this effort will improve the care of trees and the regional forest for years to come.

Stronger Together

The plantings are a partnership involving the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the network of arboreta known as ArbNet, and area schools, communities, and organizations. Arboretum experts will work with planting site partners to determine local needs, assess site conditions, and identify the most suitable trees for each location. Planting partners will provide ongoing care to maintain the trees, with knowledge and training provided by the Arboretum.

Apply to be a planting site

DONATE

While the Centennial Tree Planting Initiative is fully funded, donations are needed to fund ongoing, annual tree-planting efforts through the Chicago Region Trees Initiative.

Make a gift