Trees

The campus of Michigan State University is an urban arboretum with over 20,000 trees. Some of these trees were present when the University was founded in 1855. Others have been planted since then by pioneers like Professor W. J. Beal who through the years have increased the diversity of our arboretum to over nine hundred different taxa. The vast number of trees and their diversity create a unique “living laboratory” that has been used for teaching and research by countless generations of Spartans. Trees are cherished, nurtured and mapped. One of the major reasons prospective students choose MSU is for the beauty of our campus.  

Commemorative tree gifts help continue to plant trees for future generations of Spartans to enjoy. Donors will have the opportunity to adopt an existing tree or purchase a new tree to be planted in their desired location on campus. New trees are typically 1.5-2" caliper trees. The tree will be fitted with a custom, hanging plaque and a ceremony will take place.  

Tiers and Pricing

There are four location tiers on campus as shown by the map below. Pricing is determined by the tier you select. Tier 1, shown in the green, is the historic north campus. Tier 2, the yellow area, is the developed central campus. Tier 3, shown in blue, are campus locations south of Mt. Hope Road. Elite locations are shown in red. These are iconic locations and landmarks as designated by our campus master plan. Beal Gardens is a unique location, and those requests are handled through the Beal Gardens staff. Elite locations: Beaumont Tower, Sparty Statue, Benefactor’s Plaza, Old Horticulture Fountain, Adams Field, Cowles House, Munn Pinetum. Some locations are ADOPT only. 

Tree pricing will depend on the size and type of tree with prices ranging from $2.5K - $15K.

Process

The process is simple though it is interactive; you’ll be involved in the following steps. Because these purchases are so meaningful, we want to work together to ensure success.

1. Select a tier location area on campus from the map.
2. Select a size category of tree: Adopt, 25-36”, 13-24", 0-12" or new tree to be planted.
3. Complete the form to provide details of the request and make a deposit.  
4. The request will be reviewed and we’ll contact the donor to discuss the details and finalize the purchase.
5. Once work is completed the donor will be contacted with ceremony details for a new tree planting or with photos of the tree and plaque on an existing tree.
6. Donors will receive a map of their tree, a copy of the plaque, and a certificate of authenticity with each tree purchase.  
7. Donors can view their tree using the accession number provided on the certificate.