Home

Smith Walk's Tree Metamorphosis www.morrisarboretum.org/blog/smith-walks-tree-metamorphosis

Smith Walk's Tree Metamorphosis Morris Arboretum & Gardens' Urban Forestry Consultants, in conversation with the Office of the University Architect and Operations & Maintenance departments, determined it's time to remove six declining honeylocusts ( Gleditsia triacanthos ) along  the oldest pedestrian walk on Penn's campus, and are  developing a plan for the reuse of the wood and the planting of new trees in their place. One of the routine but very important decisions Penn’s landscape and urban forestry professionals must make every year is when to remove trees on campus and if those trees can be used in new or innovative ways. The campus is an official arboretum and the caretakers of it take numerous factors into account before making these decisions. This year, after much deliberation, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens' Urban Forestry Consultant team, in conversation with the Office of the University Architect and Operations & Maintenance departments in Facilities and Real Estate Services, determined it is time to schedule the removal of six of the remaining seven honeylocusts ( Gleditsia triacanthos ) on Smith Walk. They are also developing a plan for the reuse of the honeylocusts and the planting of new trees in their place. Image Figure 1: Fall colors of Smith Walk, Fall 2024, Chloe Cerwinka. Image "Smith Walk, stair from 33rd Street looking northwest toward Towne Building - University of Pennsylvania, Smith Walk, Bounded by Walnut, 33rd, 34th & Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA Photos from Survey HABS PA-6179," George E. Thomas, published 1995, image courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. A major consideration this year was the health of these trees and the lack of species diversity that contributed to their decline. These six honeylocusts have a documented history of myriad pests and diseases including honeylocust plant bugs ( Diaphnocoris chlorionis ), spider mites ( Platytetranychus multidigituli ), and …

Events

An outdoor garden covered in ferns and pieces of deadwood.

Creating Biodiversity at Chanticleer

Thursday, October 23 •
1 pm
Chanticleer
Registration is required
Register Today
Thursday, October 23 • 1 – 3 pm
Members: $55  • Non-members: $60

Chanticleer is alive with more than just beautiful plantings—recent biodiversity surveys have identified over 1,000 species of birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and fish find habitat in the garden. For the past five years, the garden has conducted biodiversity surveys, with a special focus on native bees and moths, both important pollinators and critical elements in food webs for other wildlife. 

In this special program, you’ll explore how a garden can nurture such rich biodiversity. Through both an indoor lecture and guided learning in the garden, discover how Chanticleer models ecologically sound practices by blending native and non-native plants across naturalistic and formal spaces. Learn about the garden’s biodiversity findings and how you can translate these principles into your own garden, no matter its size. A particular emphasis will be placed on the ecological value of leaving downed woody debris—like branches and logs—and creative ways to incorporate these elements into garden design without sacrificing beauty. 

This program will be held at Chanticleer (786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087) and is a collaboration between Chanticleer and the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. This class has been submitted to carry 2 LA CES and ISA CEUs and is an approved elective in the Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Certificate in Ecological Horticulture.

Events

A row of conifer trees.

Trees Around the World Tour

Saturday, November 8 •
11 am

Morris founders John and Lydia Morris traveled world-wide to bring an international flavor to the gardens. Now you can take a fascinating journey around the gardens that highlights trees from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Free with general admission. 

The Afterlife of Trees: How Deadwood Can Resurrect Your Garden www.morrisarboretum.org/blog/deadwood

The Afterlife of Trees: How Deadwood Can Resurrect Your Garden While bewitchingly befitting for ArBOOretum Month , we assure you the deadwood in our gardens is not simply decor: We incorporate wood from felled trees into our gardens not only as a natural way to add interest, but also to attract biodiversity and support the ecosystem. When walking around Morris Arboretum & Gardens, you may notice the trunks of dead trees, also known as snags, protruding from between living trees. Or perhaps  you’ve seen stump, branches, and other parts of felled trees used as garden borders and creative design. While bewitchingly befitting for ArBOOretum Month , we assure you this is not simply decor: The Morris incorporates deadwood from felled trees into our gardens not only as a natural way to add interest, but also to attract biodiversity and support the ecosystem. Image Figure 1: An eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis ) snag, across from the Log Cabin, provides habitat and food for animals and insects, as well as nutrients for the soil.  Snags provide habitat and shelter for wildlife while also releasing nutrients into the soil as they decay. Take this eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis ) snag (Figure 1), for example. It provides a home for animals and insects, insects provide meals for birds, and nutrients from the decaying wood enrich the soil. Notice the small holes in the trunk, presumably made by critters who moved in, and the mushrooms growing at the base that consume the complex organic material from the decaying tree (Figure 2)—a process that is essential to the forest ecosystem. Living trees sequester carbon throughout their lifespans (sometimes for centuries) and they continue to do so after death. Deadwood such as stumps, logs, and standing snags also play a vital role in carbon storage. While trees begin to release carbon back into the environment upon dying, this process can be remarkably slow. Stumps may retain carbon for decades, and logs, depending on the species …

Events

An outdoor miniature train display decorated for the holidays on a snowy winter day

Holiday Garden Railway

Saturday, November 22 – Tuesday, December 30 •
Open Daily: 10 am – 4 pm (last entry 3 pm)
Garden Railway

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages. Free with general admission. (Please Note: Morris is closed December 24 and 25.)

Want to see Holiday Garden Railway at night? With laser lights in the trees and sparkling lights along the railway, HGR: Nighttime Express is a must-see. Learn more and get advanced tickets →

Events

Bright red winterberry with green foliage.

Holly Highlights & Winter Greenery Tour

Saturday, November 22 •
11 AM
Meet at Welcome Center

Bundle up for a unique guided tour highlighting the Morris's collection of hollies and other broadleaf evergreens that enliven the winter landscape and provide year-round appeal. Learn some fun facts and get new ideas for your own home garden.  Free with general admission. Weather permitting.

Events

Bright red winterberry with green foliage.

Winter Wellness Walk: Nature's Nurture

Sunday, January 25 •
10:30 am
Meet at Welcome Center

Get moving, get outdoors, and get connected to nature and others during these walks! The Fourth Sunday of each month will focus on getting heart rates up. Each weekend will feature a discussion topic centered around movement in nature — come for the cardio, stay for the conversation! Free with general admission. 

Learn more about our other Winter Wellness Walks →

Sponsored in part by:
Indepedence Blue Cross logo

Events

Bright red winterberry with green foliage.

Winter Wellness Walk: Nature's Nurture

Sunday, November 23 •
10:30 am
Meet at Welcome Center

Get moving, get outdoors, and get connected to nature and others during these walks! The Fourth Sunday of each month will focus on getting heart rates up. Each weekend will feature a discussion topic centered around movement in nature — come for the cardio, stay for the conversation! Free with general admission. 

Learn more about our other Winter Wellness Walks →

Sponsored in part by:
Indepedence Blue Cross logo