Apply for Arboretum Accreditation
Walk through the application process and compile documentation required for arboretum accreditation.
The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, managed by The Morton Arboretum, is the only international accreditation program created specifically for arboreta.
Through the accreditation program, a place with a collection of trees can receive recognition as an arboretum by meeting specific criteria and demonstrating its dedication to tree care and planting, tree preservation, and public education.
Whether you are managing a small campus collection, a cemetery, a city park’s tree inventory, or a large public garden with a diverse arboretum, accreditation provides public recognition of your efforts and dedication.
The Arboretum Accreditation Program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with four levels of accreditation that reflect different kinds of institutions and stages of development and capacity. The levels and standards have been developed and refined with the input of arboreta and tree professionals from around the world, over more than a decade. Accreditation is valid for five years with a straightforward renewal process. An arboretum can upgrade its accreditation level at any time as it continues to grow and evolve.
There is no fee to apply. Applications are typically reviewed within four weeks.
How to Apply for Arboretum Accreditation
If your organization manages a tree collection—whether as a primary mission or as part of a broader landscape—gaining accreditation as an arboretum is a valuable and achievable goal.
Review Accreditation Requirements
The application process begins with evaluating your current operations, using the requirements for ArbNet’s four levels of accreditation as a guide.
View and download a summary of accreditation requirements by level.
These requirements outline expectations for planning, governance, collections management, labeling, public engagement, and, at higher accreditation levels, scientific research and conservation efforts.
Carefully review the requirements to determine which accreditation level is the best fit for your arboretum’s current scope and ambitions.
Note: Personal, private home properties are not eligible for arboretum accreditation through ArbNet. Only properties managed by an organization are eligible for accreditation.
Submit an Online Application
Once you are ready to proceed, fill out an online accreditation application.
You will be asked to describe your arboretum’s mission and operations. You will need to provide supporting documentation, such as tree inventories, a description of how your trees are labeled, educational programing and event descriptions, and a description of your organization’s governance structures.
Visit the Accreditation Resources webpage for examples of applications for each level of accreditation.
Contact ArbNet staff at arbnet@mortonarb.org with any questions or for help with your application.
You will need to provide photographs with your application that may be featured on the ArbNet website. Include at least two high-resolution images (at least 1920 pixels wide), in a horizontal (landscape) orientation.
ArbNet accepts attachments up to 35MB through the online application portal. If your materials exceed this limit, you can submit additional documentation by email to arbnet@mortonarb.org.
After Your Submission
Once your application is submitted, ArbNet staff will review it. Decisions are typically made within four weeks.
ArbNet accreditation is free and valid for five years. An arboretum can upgrade its accreditation at any time if it meets the requirements of a higher level.
Once accredited, ArbNet staff will email you a publicity tool kit that will help you promote your accreditation to receive public attention for your achievement. This kit includes a press release template to alert local news sources, a digital accreditation badge to add to your website, and instructions for using it on your website.
Levels of Accreditation
ArbNet’s four levels of accreditation ensure that institutions of all types and sizes can be acknowledged for their achievements. Each level builds on the accomplishments of the one before, with increasingly high standards for collections, governance, public engagement, and contributions to education, science and conservation.
Each level celebrates the achievements of arboreta as they are today while encouraging growth, deeper engagement, and greater impact in the care and conservation of trees.
View and compare accreditation requirements by level.
Level I Accreditation
Level I accreditation recognizes places that have the core functions of an arboretum—a diverse collection of trees and woody plants, plant labeling, governance, planning, public access and engagement, and dedicated staff or volunteers.
These organizations may include schools, small municipalities, community organizations, volunteer groups, and others with emerging tree collections and diverse plantings.
Key requirements for Level I accreditation:
- An arboretum plan
- A governing group responsible for the arboretum
- A minimum of 25 different labeled taxa (species, hybrids, cultivars, varieties, etc) of trees or other woody plants
- Public access for at least one public event or educational program each year focused on trees or arboretum purposes
- Staff or volunteers
See all criteria and requirements for Level I accreditation.
View and download an example application for Level I accreditation.
Explore Level I accredited arboreta around the world.
Level II Accreditation
Level II accreditation recognizes arboreta that have a greater number of labeled species and increased collections management, and that have more formal operations and greater education and public engagement efforts.
Additional requirements for Level II accreditation (in addition to meeting Level I standards):
- A minimum of 100 different labeled taxa of trees or other woody plants
- Collections policy
- Public access for with enhanced educational programming
- Paid staff
See all criteria and requirements for Level II accreditation.
View and download an example application for Level II accreditation.
Level III Accreditation
Level III accreditation reflects a significant level of institutional investment and operational capacity. These arboreta have established robust collections, offer substantial public programming, and contribute actively to conservation or research initiatives.
Additional requirements for Level III accreditation (in addition to levels I and II):
- A minimum of 500 different labeled taxa of trees or other woody plants
- Broad and diverse public education and outreach programs
- Active participation in tree science and/or conservation
- Professional staff to manage collections (curator, collections manager, or equivalent)
- Professional capacity to collaborate with other organizations
See all criteria and requirements for Level III accreditation.
View and download example applications for Level III accreditation.
Level IV Accreditation
Level IV accreditation is the highest level of ArbNet accreditation. It recognizes arboreta of significant size, impact, and leadership within the global arboretum community. These institutions set benchmarks for excellence in the field.
Additional requirements for Level IV accreditation (in addition to levels I–III):
- Scientific and/or conservation staff with recognized expertise
- Active participation in international collaborations and/or professional networks
- Documented contributions to advancing the profession through research, conservation leadership, and education
See all criteria and requirements for Level IV accreditation.
View and download an example application for Level IV accreditation.
Upgrade Your Accreditation
As your arboretum evolves, you may wish to apply for a higher level of accreditation to reflect your increased capacity, collections, or programming. Upgrading is a valuable way to benchmark your organization’s progress and to signal your growth and continuing commitment to peers, partners, and funders.
ArbNet offers a streamlined process for institutions seeking to upgrade.
Contact ArbNet staff by email at arbnet@mortonarb.org.
You will receive a link to a digital upgrade application that draws from your previous submission, saving you time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to apply?
No. ArbNet accreditation is free of charge.
How long does the application review take?
Applications are typically reviewed within four weeks.
Can organizations outside the United States apply?
Yes. ArbNet is a global program and arboreta from around the world are welcome and encouraged to apply.
What if my application exceeds the file size limit?
If your attachments exceed the 35MB limit for the online application, you may email them to arbnet@mortonarb.org or share via a file-sharing service.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
For any questions about the process or assistance in preparing your application, email arbnet@mortonarb.org or call 1 (630) 310-7013.
What are some examples and resources to help me get started with ArbNet?
Explore these resource pages:
Starting an Arboretum
Accreditation Resources, which includes ArbNet tool kits.
What are ArbNet Tool Kits?
ArbNet Tool Kits act as a guide through the arboretum creation and accreditation process for different types of arboreta: cemetery arboreta, school arboreta, city arboreta, and college/university arboreta.
Each tool kit contains specialized information, examples, and resources for the specific arboretum type.
What are plant “taxa”?
Plant taxa are different types or groups of plants, such as species, subspecies, varieties, cultivars, hybrids, and formas.
What counts as labeling and what are some examples and resources to help me fulfill the labeling and collections policy accreditation requirements?
Plant labeling that meets ArbNet accreditation requirements can come in many different forms, such as physical tags on individual plants, digital labeling through a labeled plant map available online, or through handouts that include a labeled plant map.
Explore ArbNet’s resource webpages:
Labeling and Mapping
What are some examples and resources to help me fulfill the education and engagement accreditation requirements?
Explore the following resource pages for ideas and examples:
What are some examples and resources to help me fulfill the science and conservation accreditation requirements?
What are some examples and resources to help me fulfill the collaboration accreditation requirements?
What funding opportunities are available to accredited arboreta?
Explore ArbNet’s Grants and Funding Opportunities resource page.
