The best idea I ever saw was one put into practice by the staff at
Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA. When it comes time to attach
the tags to the trunks, use screws, not nails. A tree will eventually
try to swallow up a nailed-on plaque, with the result that the plaques
get bent, popped off, or buried in bark. Instead, SCREW the plaques
to the trunk. Every couple of years, all you need do is unscrew the
screws a couple of turns to keep them on the outside of the bark and
flat. AFAIK, they never had a problem with someone unscrewing a plaque
and removing it entirely.
Monique Reed
Scott Shumway wrote:
>> Dear Fellow Tree-huggers,
>> The difference between my college campus (Wheaton College, Norton, MA) and
> an arboretum is that at an arboretum the trees are labeled with their
> scientific names. I am embarking on a project to label all the trees on
> campus with Latin names, common names, family names, and relevant campus
> information like "gift of class of 1902."
>> I would appreciate any advice from folks who have carried out similar
> projects. In particular I am interested in information on what types of
> labels to use and how to purchase or make them. I want these to last for a
> long time, so I hope to use high quality materials.
>> Suggestions on funding sources and ways to incorporate the process or
> results of the project into teaching would also be appreciated.
>> Thank you, Scott
>> Scott Shumway
> Associate Professor of Biology
> Dept. of Biology
> Wheaton College
> Norton, MA 02766
> 508-286-3945
> "Scott_Shumway at WheatonMa.edu"
> fax 508-285-8278
>> ---
