Memorial/Honorary Tree Program

"Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory. They speak his praises without flattery, and they are blessings to children yet unborn." -Lord Orrery, 1749

Trees and other landscaping amenities throughout the city's parks and public property are made possible with contributions raised through the Bloomington Tree Fund. The Tree Fund supports annual Arbor Day celebrations, volunteer tree plantings on public property, and urban forestry education.

Any amount may be contributed at any time to the Bloomington Tree Fund. All Bloomington Tree Fund gifts are tax deductible as prescribed by law.

Memorial/Honorary Tree Program Details

The Parks and Recreation Department provides maintenance for the lifetime of the tree and will replace trees if they die or are damaged within 15 years of planting. Plaques are warranted for five years against theft or damages.

In the event of future park development, your tree may be relocated or replanted. Bloomington Parks and Recreation reserves the right to relocate trees within a park or to another city park.

Due to weather considerations and seasonal planting schedules, it is not possible to schedule ceremonies at the time of tree planting or plaque setting.

Exact planting locations within parks are determined by the city's urban forester to ensure the tree is in the proper location to grow and thrive. Donors may choose potential tree planting sites from aerial photos provided by the urban forester.

Installation of personal plaques, markers, etc. at the planting sites of honorary/memorial trees is not permitted. Small, tasteful, unobtrusive decorations are permitted as long as they do not become unsightly, unkempt, or present an obstacle to grounds maintenance. The City of Bloomington and its staff are not responsible for maintaining decorations, or for decorations that are vandalized, damaged, removed, or stolen.