Sugartree Homeowners Association is a certified level four arboretum through the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. The arboretum is a collection of over one hundred twenty species of trees covering fifteen acres of common space. Through the leadership of Vicki Turner and other dedicated residents, the beautiful trees in Sugartree have become one of its greatest assets. In addition to the many mature trees, the arboretum contains unusual and endangered species. Sugartree is a proud partner of the American Chestnut Foundation, working to re-introduce the American Chestnut. They have also set aside a small tree nursery tucked in a protected area of the common space to nurture trees before they are planted in other areas of the community. In 2009, the Sugartree Arbor Society was formed with fifty-nine founding members. The mission statement is “A membership society dedicated to the beauty, health, diversity, and life of the trees of Sugartree with special emphasis on education, preservation, and re-establishment of endangered species of trees.” The Arbor Society hosts tree-related activities throughout the year, funded by annual dues from its members. Many thanks to Vicki Turner for guiding Ghertner & Company through the arboretum qualification process. If your community association would like to pursue becoming an arboretum, contact sustainability@ghertner.com. We will be glad to offer guidance to your board.