Arlington National Cemetery, the nation’s premier military cemetery, has been designated as an arboretum. In addition to being the final resting place for thousands of the nation’s veterans, Arlington is also known for its rolling hills, perfectly aligned marble headstones and immaculate landscaping. The grounds honor those who have served the nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace. The purpose of the arboretum at Arlington is to preserve and interpret the collection of trees and ornamental plants that serve as a backdrop to this national shrine. In 2013, Arlington National Cemetery joined the Morton Register of Arboreta. The purpose of the Morton Register is to identify all of the organizations that collect and display trees, shrubs, and other woody plants for the benefit of the public, science and conservation. “Arlington Cemetery is honored to join the nation’s leading public gardens in its commitment to the preservation and conservation of trees,” said Steve Van Hoven, Arlington’s urban forester. Additionally, the cemetery is in the process of attaining accreditation as an arboretum by the Morton Register of Arboreta. The cemetery recently accomplished a major step towards achieving accreditation with the installation of 297 labels on trees throughout the cemetery.Arlington’s diverse collection of trees and landscapes includes about 300 varieties and species of trees - the oldest of which are more than 250 years old. Explore the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Arboretum and the schedule of upcoming horticulture tours.