How Colleges and Arboretums Use Tree Tags to Create Walking Maps

Across college campuses and arboretums, tree identification tags are used to create educational walking tours that help visitors explore and learn about the landscape. By labeling trees and connecting them to maps or digital resources, these tags turn everyday spaces into interactive experiences. From simple printed maps to fully integrated systems, these programs all start the same way: with clearly labeled trees that visitors can follow and learn from.

Below are three common ways organizations build their arboretum walking trails. 

Basic Walking Maps and Brochures

The most common starting point is a simple, self-guided walking tour.

Trees are labeled with arboretum tags that are numbered or identify the species, and visitors follow a printed or downloadable map that corresponds to each tree.

At Lewis-Clark State College, this approach is used to guide visitors through a campus tree tour using a brochure and tagged trees along the route. The map uses numbered locations, while the tags themselves display the tree’s common name for easy identification.

This method is:

• Easy to set up
• Cost-effective
• A great foundation for future expansion

QR Code Tree Tags for Interactive Learning

A larger-scale example can be seen at the Bonita Lakes Arboretum, developed in partnership with Mississippi State University. Along the trail, over 85 species are tagged, and QR codes direct visitors to a comprehensive tree guide PDF, allowing them to learn more about the trees in the region as they walk.

QR code systems allow organizations to:

• Share more information without overcrowding the tag
• Link to resources like webpages, videos, or PDFs
• Update content anytime without replacing tags
• Create a more engaging visitor experience

Interactive Maps and Digital Tree Tours

Some colleges and arboretums take their programs even further by developing interactive maps and digital platforms.

At North Carolina State University, a campus tree trail maps over 100 species using digital tools that allow users to explore trees by location.

Each tree is identified with a tag that includes key information such as the common name, scientific name, family, and a campus tree trail URL. Visitors can use this URL to access the digital tree map and explore additional details about each tree.

These systems often work alongside QR codes or direct web links, creating a fully connected experience where:

• The tag identifies the tree
• The map shows its location
• The digital platform provides in-depth information

Custom Arboretum Tags for Any Walking Trail

No matter what type of walking tour you choose to create, National Band & Tag’s arboretum tags can be customized to meet your needs. From numbered identification tags to QR code-ready designs, our tags are built to withstand outdoor environments while supporting your educational goals.

See additional samples from our customers and pricing here: www.nationalband.com/arboretum-tags