Native to the Midwest and the plains of the United States, the Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is one of the more interesting long lived specimen trees we can grow in Newport. It certainly isn’t grown for any one definitive ornamental or cultural characteristic, like a dogwood is grown for its flowers, red maples for their fall color, or ginkgo for its 200 million years of inherited survival skills (among other things). In fact, I would be surprised if many people, even the most diehard tree lovers, could describe the flowers of a Kentucky coffee tree with much accuracy. You may be surprised that the blooms are quite beautiful, as are the many unique and curious features of this proud member of the pea family, Fabaceae... Read more here.

We want to thank all of our generous supporters who enable our work in the community in support of Newport's urban forest. Because of you this will be a night to remember! This year's Evening of the Arboreta is sold out.

On behalf of our generous hosts, Angus and Joanna Davis, and our event co-chairs Dan & Dory Benson, we look forward to seeing you at Oakwood Arboretum, Newport's first private home to earn arboretum accreditation from ArbNet, on Friday August 4th.

This season, we are seeing wide-spread Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) infection of European and American beeches (Fagus sp.). Many trees around the city dropped their spring leaves, which were damaged by the nematode worm causal agent of BLD. These trees look dismal, but many are putting out a second round of leaves in an effort to photosynthesize. Hopefully, these beeches will be able to photosynthesize enough this season to meet their energetic needs and store sugars for the winter ahead. Since present treatments for BLD are still experimental and not proven to eradicate the disease, we recommend taking extra care to water, mulch, and fertilize beeches to bolster their ability to deal with stressors. 

Join Newport Tree Conservancy's horticulture staff for weekly tree care volunteer days on Thursdays. The Tree Corps program is a fun way to get to know us, help out young trees in city parks, and learn about what we do. Locations will rotate each week depending on the needs of our city trees. To see upcoming locations, volunteer, and more click below!

The Newport Tree Conservancy invites you to take a stroll through Second Wind Arboretum. This Ocean Drive Neighborhood gem on 2.7 acres includes Gingko plantings, forested wetland featuring native Amelanchier canadensis and Acer rubrum, and the owner’s Heritage Collection – specimen trees planted in honor of members of the family inspired by favorite trees planted along Bellevue Avenue. This vibrant, whimsical property is a must see!

Come take a tour with NTC of the beautiful Maher-a-Lago Arboretum. This pint-sized property is packed full of vibrant plant life designed to have ever-changing color from spring through fall. A dry riverbed on-site is a lovely focal point to this landscape. The property features some impressive specimen trees including a Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica), Lion’s Head Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’), and Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Edith Bogue’) among many others. Come see this carefully crafted private oasis for yourself!

This is your chance to join the Newport Tree Conservancy on a tour of the beautiful seaside Stonybrook Arboretum! This property boasts a 20^th century Gothic Revival manor house on 4.8 acres filled with gorgeous collections. Plant highlights include an extensive beech collection, a host of conifers, mature oaks, and plants capable of thriving in the harsh maritime climate. The Sakonnet river and divergent small creek, which lends the Arboretum its name, are the perfect backdrop. Please dress for the weather and walking. Water is highly encouraged.

General admission for non-members opens on Saturday, July 8th. To become a member and gain access to early registration click here.

General admission for non-members opens on Saturday, July 8th. To become a member and gain access to early registration click here.