Michigan State University's campus is an urban arboretum with over 20,000 trees, some dating back to when the university was founded in 1855. Thanks to pioneers like Professor W.J. Beal, the arboretum contains over 100 species. This rich diversity creates a unique "living laboratory" used for teaching and research by generations of Spartans.
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 is shown in the green areas around institutional landmarks on north campus. Tier 2 is shown in blue, Central campus below Shaw Lane. Tier 3, shown in orange, are Campus locations south of Service Road. Elite locations, (Beaumont Tower, Spartan Statue, Benefactors Plaza, Adams Field and Sand Hill Plantation) are depicted in red. All locations will need to be reviewed by our Landscape Architect for the possibility of a new tree placement, as some locations are adopt only. Beal Gardens is a unique location, and those requests are handled through the Beal Gardens staff.
Tree pricing will depend on the location tier, size of tree and adopted versus new planting, with prices ranging from $2.5K - $15K.
Process
The process is simple and interactive; you’ll be involved in the following steps. Because this purchase is significant to you, we want to work together to ensure success.
- Select a location on campus from the map:
- Tier 1 (green)
- Tier 2 (blue)
- Tier 3 (orange)
- Elite (red)
- Select a tree type:
- Adopt an existing tree
- Plant a new tree (to be purchased and installed)
- Select a size category:
- under 12" caliper
- 12" - 24" caliper
- 24" - 36" caliper
- 36" and larger caliper
- Review Terms and Conditions (.docx)
- Submit your request with your tree selection and dedication details
- Confirmation and deposit: we'll review your request and contact you to discuss the details and finalize the purchase. A deposit may be required.
- Dedication ceremony:
- Included in tree purchase
- Held during spring and fall planting times
- Donors may attend, install a plaque, and invite guests (no limit)
- Photos will be taken during the ceremony
- After installation you’ll receive photos of the tree and plaque and a certificate of authenticity.
Adopt an existing tree
| Tier 1 (green) | Tier 2 (blue) | Tier 3 (orange) | Elite (red) | |
36” + caliper | $15K | $10K | $5K | $15K |
24" - 36" caliper | $10K | $7.5K | $5K | $15K |
12" - 24" caliper | $7.5K | $5K | $2.5K | $15K |
2.5" - 12" caliper | $5K | $2.5K | $2.5K | $15K |
Plant a new tree
| Tier 1 (green) | Tier 2 (blue) | Tier 3 (orange) | Elite (red) | |
| All 2" or larger caliper | $12K | $6K | $3K | $15K |
Click to view interactive map
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Trees that are not already part of the commemorative tree program or otherwise committed are available for adoption.
Yes. Please fill out the application and note your intent to purchase more than one commemorative item. There is a 5% discount for the purchase of two or more commemorative items.
New trees are planted in the spring and fall. Tree adoptions can occur any time of the year.
Possibly. It would depend on the item and would need to be discussed with the Campus Arborist.
A dedication ceremony is included in the cost of the tree purchase.
There are scheduled times to install the tree (spring and fall). The donor can attend and install a plaque on the tree. Photos will be taken during the dedication.
There is no limit to the number of people invited to attend. The donor is responsible for invitations.
Food, media or technology are not included with a typical tree dedication. That type of event would need to be coordinated separately through the campus events office.
On average [annually] roughly 300 trees need to be removed for various reasons including construction, disease or insect problems, natural decline, and storm damage.
For these reasons MSU enacted a tree replacement policy with the goal of planting a tree to replace every tree that is lost on campus. Your commemorative tree purchase helps MSU to reach our tree planting goals. Planting trees also helps the environment by sequestering carbon, reducing runoff, and moderating temperatures.
Trees have a replacement guarantee for ten (10) years, after that we make every effort to care for or replace the tree and plaque.
Yes, Please contact Crowd Power directly at: moore128@msu.edu or fill out the online gift registration.