The Arboretum at K-B House

The Arboretum at King-Bruwaert House was established in 1933 with the acquisition of 35.5 acres of land south of Hinsdale, Illinois, in what is now the Village of Burr Ridge, for the creation of a charitable residence for elderly women. For several decades, the landscape remained largely unchanged, offering residents, their families, and members of the surrounding community a serene, wooded environment in which to appreciate the beauty and diversity of trees and woody plants.

Over time, the property has been thoughtfully developed to meet the evolving needs of a growing retirement community while preserving its natural character. Today, the King-Bruwaert Woods are managed with conscientious stewardship and encompass 94 taxa of trees and woody plants, both labeled and unlabeled. Meandering walking paths provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the collection, fostering enjoyment, education, and awareness of woody plant diversity.

As a Level I ArbNet Arboretum, King-Bruwaert House maintains basic documentation of its plant collections, provides public access to its grounds, and offers opportunities for learning and appreciation of trees and the landscape. Among the most distinguished specimens are the mature oaks—white, red, and bur—that grace the front of the historic manor home. These trees, notable for their size and age, serve as enduring sentinels of the estate and provide a natural welcome to all who visit.