MUSC Arboretum

About the MUSC Arboretum

 

An arboretum is a collection of trees for study or display. The MUSC Arboretum can be experienced anywhere on the entire 90-acre main campus. Our inventory of over 2000 trees ranges from ancient live oaks to new fruit saplings. Each tree has a care plan to ensure it is as healthy as possible in our urban environment. Lowcountry native trees make up over 70% of the campus inventory.

In addition to the healing and calming benefits provided by a healthy tree canopy, trees also offer a reduction in air pollution by converting substances from the air to oxygen, reducing noise pollution, providing cooling through shade and transportation, and capturing and filtering storm water runoff.

Visit the MUSC Arboretum Facebook Page or MUSC Arboretum Instagram Page for more information on events, featured trees, and photos.

Arborist Fruit Tree Video Series

These video lessons were put together in celebration of the MUSC Arboretum 10th Anniversary Celebration and feature Andrew Hargett, MUSC’s Arborist.

We also have numerous gardens that highlight natives, medicinal plants, healthy food choices, and tranquil living spaces.

 

Planting Fruit Trees

 

Fruit Trees in Containers

 

Fertilizing Fruit Trees

 

Pruning Fruit Trees

Mission

The mission of the MUSC Arboretum is to transform the university campus into a place of optimal healing and learning by creating an urban landscape that invigorates, inspires, and teaches through nature.

Vision

There are many studies and books that have documented improved healing for patients when they are able to see green spaces, trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, and many other natural creations. State-of-the-art medical care is augmented with patient exposure to relaxing and uplifting natural vistas from the windows, entrance halls, terraces, and walkways of the patient care areas. In short, a patient’s healing is enhanced by seeing and being surrounded by nature.

Learning is also enhanced in an environment where there is an inviting setting that encourages thinking and reflection. The warm and soothing natural ambiance of an arboretum leads to stress-free learning. 

In the Spring of 2010, President Ray Greenberg approved Dr. Jerry Reves' plan to establish an Arboretum and began appointing members of the MUSC Arboretum Advisory Board. In 2011, the Board solicited and received a master plan for the Arboretum from the Clemson Design Center under the guidance of Ray Huff, Director. The initial plan and still ongoing work was to accomplish and maintain those things required for MUSC to be designated a Tree Campus USA, the national arboretum certification. Once this certification was achieved in the Spring of 2012, it ensured a perpetual, accountable landscape plan for the campus.

The most important priority of the Arboretum Board is to transform the campus to achieve the optimal patient care and learning environment for our patients, students, faculty, staff and visitors. This requires the acquisition and deployment of financial resources that are beyond the means of the University alone. However, there are a number of projects that have been identified that begin to transform the university’s appearance that will have an immediate impact. Philanthropy directed towards this goal is another important reason for the MUSC Arboretum.

MUSC Tree Plotter

All trees on campus are documented, measured and regularly inspected for health. Our Tree Plotter software allows anyone to learn more about individual trees on campus.

Explore the Tree Plotter 

Select the tree to learn its common name, scientific name, diameter, health and other information.Check back here soon for Tree Tours on MUSC Campus or contact the MUSC Grounds Department to schedule campus walking tours to learn more about the MUSC Arboretum.

Get Involved

Volunteer

The Arboretum could use your help. To volunteer, contact: Andrew Hargett hargetta@musc.edu, Noni Langford langforn@musc.edu, or call 843-792-9143.

Events

You can find the latest news and upcoming event information on our Facebook page.