Memorial Tree Program

Program Overview

Trees provide many years of service in regards to maintaining wildlife habitat, soil stabilization, water purification and aesthetics. Trees that are planted today will be enjoyed by generations to follow.

The City of Bartlett's Memorial Tree program provides opportunity for others to be involved in contributing to Bartlett's heritage through sponsoring trees that are being planted within Bartlett parks and open spaces. A living memorial can be a gift to honor someone who is special. It can be a newborn child; a loved one who has passed; that influential school teacher; a coach; or congratulate someone for a special accomplishment. As the planted memorial tree grows or flowers, remembrance will be given to the honored.

Donors will receive letters of appreciation and notification of planting signed by the Mayor. A nameplate with the names of the recipient and donor will be added to the Memorial Tree plaque located in Bartlett City Hall. The location of your tree will be added to the Memorial Tree Location Map that can be viewed on the city's website. You will also receive a specific map for easier location of your tree.

The entire community will receive benefit from your memorial tree. If you would like to participate in the City of Bartlett's Memorial Tree Program, simply fill out the form located within the Memorial Tree Brochure and mail or hand deliver to:

  • City of Bartlett Urban Forestry
    Department of Engineering/Utilities
    6382 Stage Road
    Bartlett, TN 38134

You can find brochures at Bartlett City Hall, Bartlett Senior Center, Bartlett Recreational Center, Singleton Community Center, Bartlett Public Library, Department of Engineering/Public Works or download here. You can also download the map locations of existing memorial trees here. If you have questions regarding the Memorial Tree program, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. For a suggest list of various tree species, please see Species List.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to participate in the program?
A: The cost is $100 per tree.

Q: Why is the cost $100? Can I give more?
A: The $100 price covers expenses of the tree purchase, planting and nameplate.
Yes, you can give more. The monies collected will go towards the cost of acquiring more public trees.

Q: Can I choose where I want my memorial tree planted?
A: Yes, as long as the tree is located within City of Bartlett owned properties (parks, open areas). It must be noted that planting location is subject to space availability and best growth-conducive site for specific tree.

Q: Can I buy a tree and plant it myself in a park?
A: No, because of liability, only City of Bartlett personnel are authorized to plant trees on city properties. If you would like to be present at the planting of your tree, let us know and every effort will be made for your notification.

Q: Can I pick a tree species to plant? Which ones can I choose from?
A: Yes, please visit the Species List for a suggested list of tree species to plant.

Q: Do I have to pick a species to plant? What will happen if I do not?
A: No, many participants have specified just "flowering tree," or "any." When this occurs, a tree that is scheduled for a park-planting will be designated as your tree. You will be notified of its planting and receive a map of its location.

Q: Why are you limiting the memorial trees to just those on the species list?
A: The trees listed are better suited to growing in our climate and require minimal maintenance.

Q: What if my memorial tree dies? Will you replace it?
A: Yes, if your memorial tree dies, it will be replaced and if any changes (species or planting location) occur, you will be notified and be sent a new map.

Q: Would the city be willing to plant my memorial tree on private property?
A: No, trees involved in the Memorial Tree Program are limited to planting sites only on city properties so all will be able to enjoy them.

Species List

  • Red maple (Acer rubrum)
  • Silver maple (A. saccharinum)
  • Japanese maple (A. palmatum)
  • Cherry-bark oak (Q. pagoda) [Note: Bartlett City Tree]
  • Southern red oak (Q. falcata)
  • Nuttall oak (Q. nuttallii)
  • Pin oak (Q. palustris)
  • Northern red oak (Q. rubra)
  • Eastern white oak (Q. alba)
  • Willow oak (Q. phellos)
  • Water oak (Q. nigra)
  • Sawtooth oak (Q. accutissima)
  • Baldcypress (Taxodium distichium)
  • Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
  • Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
  • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
  • Yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) [Note: Tennessee State Tree]
  • Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
  • White ash (Fraxinus americana)
  • Basswood/Linden (Tilia spp.)
  • Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
  • Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)
  • Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)
  • Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)
  • Blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca')
  • Yoshino cherry (Prunus yeodensis)
  • Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan')
  • Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
  • Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa)
  • Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
  • Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana)
  • Hawthorn Hybrids (Crateageus spp.)
  • Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • Golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
  • Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
  • Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)
  • Flowering plum (Prunus cerasifera)
  • Flowering crab (Malus spp.)