The Dixon is one of only two Level IV arboreta in West Tennessee!

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is pleased to announce that is now a certified Level IV (four) arboretum with more than 120 identified species of trees. The Dixon is one of only two Level IV arboreta in West Tennessee.

An arboretum is a collection of correctly labeled trees with both the common and scientific name of the tree on the label.  The purpose of the arboretum certification program is to set standards for what may be called an arboretum for public education in Tennessee.  The Tennessee Urban forestry Council (TUFC) and the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. jointly certify arboreta throughout the state of Tennessee.  This is the only certification program for arboretum in the state.

In 2006, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens was certified as a Level II Arboretum.  There are four levels of arboretum in Tennessee.  Level I has thirty different species of trees; level II Arboretum has 60 different species of trees; Level III has 90 different species and a Level IV arboretum has 120 species of trees.  Since 2006, the Dixon has continued to expand our collection of trees and have added over 60 more species. 

This arboretum celebrates the Mid-South as the original hardwood capital of the world.  This region has the perfect amount of rain, soils and climate to grow beautiful historic hardwood trees.  As a public garden, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens believe that it is our service to our community to help educate people about our woodlands.