Tree Tags

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

Instead of relying only on a map, visitors can scan a tag to access additional information right from their phone. QR codes can link to any URL, giving organizations flexibility in how they share content.

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

Winter Greenhouse: Elevating the Display Garden Experience with Professional Plant Signage

Our customer – Winter Greenhouse – was featured in the June 2025 issue of Green Profit magazine in an article highlighting effective display gardens. The feature showcases how intentional layout, themed garden spaces, and clear plant identification signage work together to enhance both the customer experience and overall business growth.

In the article, Kelly Larsen (Manager) talk about how the display gardens inspire customers:

“Many customers walk through the display gardens before they go shopping,” Kelly said. “It sets a mood because of the beauty and quiet, and customers enjoy touring it.” “Many of the gardens have a theme, which helps consumers narrow down ideas for their space. Walking paths allow visitors to explore each area, while signage identifies each plant.”

The plant identification plays an important role in the overall experience. Clear, durable garden center plant labels not only enhance the visual appeal of a display — they improve navigation, education, and purchasing confidence. When visitors can easily identify plant varieties, they are more likely to envision those selections in their own landscapes.

Winter Greenhouse utilizes National Band & Tag’s Style #14PLANT Tags throughout their display spaces. These outdoor plant identification tags are built for long-term durability and legibility, maintaining a clean, professional appearance through changing seasons. Designed specifically for nurseries, garden centers, and public display gardens, they provide reliable performance in demanding outdoor environments.

In the article, Jim Wilson (Owner) also highlights how impactful well-executed display gardens can be for business:

“Much of our initial business came from people visiting the gardens and saying, ‘This is such a wonderful display. Can you do this at my place?’” Jim added. “It’s a wonderful way to mix the landscaping and retail business.”

A well-maintained and clearly identified display garden does more than inspire — it builds credibility. Professional nursery signage and consistent plant labeling reinforce expertise, encourage customer engagement, and support both retail and landscaping services.

We’re proud to support Winter Greenhouse with durable plant labeling solutions that help bring their display gardens to life. If your nursery or garden center is looking to upgrade its plant tags or improve long-term outdoor identification, our Style #14PLANT Tags are built to deliver lasting clarity with a polished, professional finish.

Check out the full Green Profit article here.

Stormwater Tree Tags for MS4 Compliance

Stormwater tree tags help municipalities track, manage, and document trees as part of MS4 compliance programs. They improve recordkeeping, support inspections, and connect physical assets to digital systems.

Municipalities required to comply with MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits must carefully document and manage stormwater infrastructure to reduce pollutants entering local waterways. A strong stormwater program includes not just planning and construction, but clear identification of stormwater assets — including green infrastructure such as trees planted to intercept and absorb runoff.

One simple but effective way to support those efforts is through durable stormwater tree tags. These tags make trees part of your documented stormwater system, help track maintenance, and enhance communication with the public.

How Do Tree Tags Support MS4 Compliance?

Trees planted as part of stormwater management — along rain gardens, detention basins, or buffer strips — are more than landscaping. They provide critical runoff reduction and water quality benefits. Tagging those trees:

Associates each tree with your stormwater asset inventory and maintenance records.
Makes it easier to demonstrate compliance with your MS4 permit during inspections.
Supports community engagement by showing residents how stormwater efforts benefit local waterways.

Scanning a QR code on a tree tag can also allow field staff or the public to report issues such as storm damage, disease, or vandalism directly to your stormwater team.

Custom Tree Tags from National Band & Tag

National Band & Tag offers custom tree tags that are ideal for stormwater programs. All tree tags are made in the USA and built for long-term outdoor use, with options from stamped serial numbers to laser-etched QR codes.

What information can be included on a stormwater tree tag?

With custom tree tags you can: Add your municipality’s name, an asset ID, planting date, or other important text. Incorporate a QR code that directs people to your stormwater website or an issue-reporting form so residents and crews can easily communicate problems or observations. Integrate asset data into GIS or maintenance systems by matching tag numbers to digital records for inspections and reporting.

Whether you’re tracking street trees that contribute to stormwater control, marking bioswale plantings, or identifying trees in a community forest, custom tags bring clarity and durability to your MS4 documentation.

What material is best for outdoor tree tags used in stormwater programs?

National Band & Tag’s tree tags are made from outdoor-ready materials. We always recommend our UV Stable Black Aluminum material because it holds up to years of sun, rain, and seasonal conditions without fading or corrosion.

A Practical Step for Stronger Stormwater Programs

Clear identification helps connect your on-the-ground stormwater tree plantings to broader asset management practices and community engagement. Custom tags make each tree a measurable part of your MS4 strategy, improve public visibility, and help streamline reporting and compliance documentation.

Good tagging practices are a small investment that supports long-term maintenance, monitoring, and public outreach — all important pieces of a successful municipal stormwater program.

Whether you need simple numbered tags or more complex tags with logos and QR codes linking to online stormwater resources or reporting tools, National Band & Tag can tailor your order to your program’s needs. Visit https://www.nationalband.com/tree-tags/ to explore styles and request a quote.

Smarter Plant Management with Durable Tree and Plant Tags

Tree ID tags do more than label a species—they serve as powerful tools for management, research, education, and public engagement in arboretums, botanical gardens, and public parks.

At National Band & Tag, we manufacture durable aluminum tags that are trusted by professionals across the country to enhance the care and interpretation of plant collections. Our most popular styles for these applications include the Style #14ARBOR for trees and the Style #14PLANT for smaller plants and shrubs.

What Tree Tags Can Do

Inventory and Data Management
Engraved with unique identifiers, tree tags link each plant to its database record—tracking planting dates, origin, health assessments, maintenance schedules, and location.

Health Monitoring
Numbered tags make it easier to monitor and document changes over time. This helps staff detect and respond to issues such as disease, pests, or environmental stress.

Research and Education
Tree tags support scientific studies and educational programs by providing consistent labeling and easy reference points for both professionals and the public.

Public Interpretation and Engagement
Display labels go beyond scientific names—they may include family, geographic origin, or QR codes that connect visitors to online resources. This adds an interactive element to gardens and arboretums, encouraging learning and exploration.

Horticultural Tracking
Tags are also used to distinguish cultivars and hybrids, aiding in conservation, propagation, and breeding efforts.

Join Us at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference

National Band & Tag is proud to be exhibiting at the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association) Annual Conference, September 16–17 in Orlando, FL.

Booth #1431: We’ll be showcasing our best-selling #14ARBOR Tree Tags and #14PLANT Tags, used in parks, arboretums, and gardens nationwide.

If you’re looking for custom engraved tags for your next project—whether it’s a tree inventory or an interactive plant trail—stop by our booth to see samples, get expert advice, and learn about our customization options like QR codes, numbering, and logos.

Ready to Tag Smarter?

Explore our plant and arboretum tag styles online:
www.nationalband.com/arboretum-tags
www.nationalband.com/plant-tags

Or contact us today for a custom quote.

Celebrate National Park and Recreation Month with Durable Tree and Plant Tags

July is National Park and Recreation Month, a time to recognize the vital role that parks, green spaces, and recreation areas play in enhancing our communities. At National Band & Tag, we’re proud to support park departments across the country with durable, custom tree and plant identification tags that help keep park landscapes organized, educational, and beautiful.

As a trusted supplier to arboretums, botanical gardens, and park systems, we know the importance of clear, long-lasting labels—especially in outdoor environments where tags need to withstand sun, wind, rain, and time.

Identification Solutions Designed for Parks

Our most popular styles among park professionals include:

Style #14ARBOR – A heavy-duty, UV-stable black aluminum tag designed specifically for trees. These tags can be customized with multiple lines of text, logos, or even QR codes linking to educational resources or memorial tree information. Built to last outdoors for 20+ years.
Style #14PLANT – A versatile rectangular tag for plant beds, flower gardens, and landscaped areas. Made from the same long-lasting material as the 14ARBOR, this tag is ideal for educational trails or donor recognition.

We also offer other tree and plant identification solutions such as write-on tags and plastic stakes to accommodate a wide range of park needs and budgets. Whether you’re managing a large arboretum or a small community garden, we have a tagging solution for you.

Trusted by ArbNet Accredited Arboretums

We’re proud to serve many ArbNet-accredited arboretums with tags that meet the high standards required for accreditation. Our products help support your mission of education, conservation, and public engagement by making it easy to label and showcase your living collections.

Meet Us at the NRPA Conference

National Band & Tag will be exhibiting at the 2025 National Recreation and Parks Association’s Annual Conference, Booth 1431 this September in Orlando, FL. We look forward to connecting with park directors, managers, and coordinators in person and discussing how our tags can improve your signage and plant identification efforts.

Why Park Professionals Choose National Band & Tag

Made in the USA with over 120 years of manufacturing expertise
Customizable with laser etching for a professional, easy-to-read look.
Weather-resistant materials for long-term outdoor use
Easy ordering and friendly customer service

Ready to improve your plant and tree identification?
Explore our full line of Horticulture Tags and see why so many park professionals trust National Band & Tag’s products.

Celebrate Arbor Day with Tree Tags That Tell a Story

Arbor Day is a time to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives, communities, and ecosystems. Whether you’re planting a single tree in your backyard or working on a large-scale arboretum project, every tree has a story—and National Band & Tag is here to help you tell it.

Why Tree Labeling Matters

Trees are often part of the backdrop of our lives—beautiful, but frequently overlooked. Labeling trees with identification tags brings attention to their significance and invites people to learn more. When someone sees a tag, they’re more likely to stop, read, and connect with the tree.

Our tree tags and arboretum tags make it easy to share key information, such as the tree’s species, origin, planting date, or donor name. This type of labeling helps:

Educate the public about different tree species
Promote environmental awareness
Support school, park, and botanical garden programs
Encourage community engagement with nature

Arbor Day Across the U.S.

Arbor Day is observed on different dates across the country, depending on the best tree planting times in each state. While many states celebrate in April or May during peak planting season. No matter when your community celebrates, the purpose remains the same—to recognize the value of trees and encourage planting for a greener future.

Long-Lasting Tree Tags with Custom QR Codes, Text, and Logos

Our UV Stable Black Aluminum tree tags are built to last in outdoor environments for 20+ years, making them a reliable choice for long-term tree identification and memorials. These tags withstand harsh weather without fading, rusting, or corroding. Customize each tag with multiple lines of text, your organization’s logo, and even a QR code that links to a webpage for more information about the tree—perfect for educational trails, arboretums, and historical landmarks. Click here to view our different Tree Tag styles.

Discover the Benefits of Tree Tags for Parks of All Sizes

Did you have the opportunity to visit us at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference back in October 2023? This conference is the largest annual gathering of park and recreation professionals. Just in case you missed us, this is your reminder to order your Tree and Plant Tags in preparation for all the visitors coming to your parks this Spring and Summer!

For parks of every size, from sprawling national parks to intimate community green spaces, National Band & Tag is proud to offer innovative identification solutions.

Why Tree Tags?

Tree tags from NB&T are more than just ID markers; they are essential tools for educational outreach, inventory management, and conservation efforts. Designed to withstand the elements, our tags can be customized to feature QR codes, serial numbers, and any text of your choosing, making them a versatile option for parks looking to monitor tree health or display species information.

Educational Outreach: Enhance visitor’s experience by providing information about the tree, such as common name, scientific name, and origin directly on the tags.
Inventory Management: Simplify the tracking of your park’s tree population with easily scannable QR codes or serial numbers, facilitating a streamlined approach to park management.
Conservation Efforts: Track the growth, health, and maintenance needs of individual trees to support your park’s conservation objectives.

Get Started Today

NB&T offers customizable tree tags to meet the specific needs of each park. Whether you’re managing a vast natural reserve or a small urban green space, our tags can be tailored to fit the scale and scope of your park’s requirements. Contact National Band & Tag today to explore how our customizable tree tags can be integrated into your park’s landscape.

Be on the lookout for National Band and Tag at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference, October 8 & 9, 2024 – Booth #535. We’ll see you in Atlanta!

Utility Arborist Tags

Are you an utility arborist interested in proper identification for both power poles and trees? Then we are here to help! National Band & Tag specializes in both Power Pole Tags and Tree Tags.

Write-On Tags for Indoor and Outdoor Applications

If you need quick, on-site identification, then try Write-On Tags! These thin, flexible tags are made of aluminum or copper and can be engraved with a pen or pointed object. We have multiple shapes and sizes of Write-On tags that can be used for various applications. Write-On tags can be used indoors for industrial uses, such as labeling assets and equipment parts. Or, they can be used outdoors for labeling plants, trees, and other horticultural uses. We have multiple styles of Write-On tags to meet your needs.

The 2702 series comes in 3 different sizes and is available with or without copper wires attached. Made from aluminum stock wrapped around a stiff cardboard backing. This backing allows you to easily write on the aluminum with a pen or pointed object. This tag will last for years, even under harsh environments. The cardboard is biodegradable, but the aluminum “embossed” with your information remains.

The style 2725 wrap around write-on tag is popular because of it’s flexible tail. It’s great for wrapping around wires or plant stems. The tail wraps around the item, through the hole, and then pinches closed to help hold the tag on.

The 2729 and 2720 series are available with or without eyelets. We recommend getting the eyelets because they help reinforce the hole and will help the tag last longer. These two styles are also available with or without copper wires pre-attached.

ALUMINUM
WRITE-ON TAGS
RECTANGLES

Style 2702 Series

ALUMINUM
WRITE-ON TAGS
WRAP AROUND

Style 2725

ALUMINUM
WRITE-ON TAGS
OBLONG

Styles 2729/2729E

COPPER
WRITE-ON TAGS
OBLONG

Styles 2720/2720E

Matching Tree and Plant Tags

Create custom matching Tree and Plant tags to label every size plant, flower, shrub, bush, and tree in your garden. Used by arboretums, botanical gardens, park walking trails, and more. We can create a unified look on all your tags with your logo, QR Codes and text layout.

Shown below are examples from our customers of Style #14ARBOR (3″ x 5″) and Style #14PLANT (1.5″ x 4.5″). Other custom sizes are also available.

Tree Tag Fundraiser Ideas

Tag fundraising campaigns are a great fundraising idea for arboretums, schools, parks, churches, etc. It is a simple and effective way to get identification tags for your organization and recognize donors with no upfront cost!

Concept #1:

Your organization has 30 trees and 50 plants they’d like to get tags for. You make a list of each species of tree or plant and let people pick which one they want to donate for. Example: It costs $1,000 for your 80 tags, attachments, and shipping. That comes to $13.00 a tag. If you charge a $25 donation per tag, you profit $840, and get your tags made. Charge $50 a tag and profit $2,590. It is up to you how much you charge per tag!

Concept #2

When you send out an email for an annual membership renewal fee, have the option of adding on $X amount to donate for a tag. This is better for organizations who will need large amounts of tags, because then as 100 donations come in, you can then pick the first 100 tags you want made, and slowly work from your list, sending us multiple batches of tag orders.

Concept #3

For every tag a person donates money for, they get their name put in a hat. Buy 5 tags, get 5 entries into a drawing for a prize. You can use profits from the tags to buy a prize or ask local companies to donate an item to be raffled off.

For more information on our 3″ X 5″ Tree Tags Click Here. For more information on our 1.5″ X 4.5″ Plant Tags Click Here! Contact us for a free price quote to get your tag cost to figure out what you should then charge.

Treasure Trees – Tagging Mecklenburg County’s largest, most historic trees

Are you thinking about creating a legacy tree program for your city or county? Then check out what Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, NC did with their Treasure Tree Program!

The original tree program started in the 1989 and went until 2000 with 123 treasure trees listed. It eventually stopped with no one to run it. Fortunately, the program was picked back up and is now bringing in even more treasure trees! The new Treasure Trees Program seeks to locate the original treasure trees and tell their stories, as well as recognize a new generation of special trees and share their ecological importance to the region’s environment. Local tree enthusiasts, private arborists, city of Charlotte staff and TreesCharlotte representatives make up the program’s committee.

The original tree program used hand-stamped aluminum tags with a tree identification number. Many of the old tags were faded, and some had even been swallowed by the trees as the tree grew around the tag. The new Treasure Tree Program wanted to replace the old tags and modernize the tags to include more information about the tree to educate the public. That is when they contacted National Band & Tag for their new tags! Our UV Stable Arboretum Tree Tags can be customized in any way you want. The Treasure Tree Program choose to have the tree common name, scientific name, and a QR code that would lead visitors straight to a web page dedicated to each tree. Also, to avoid losing tags to tree growth again, they used NB&T’s aluminum nails with stainless steel springs to mount the tags off the tree surface about an inch to allow for future growth.

Brett Dupree, Tree Hunter for the program stated, “We have seen parents and kids utilize the QR codes on our program trees to visit the web pages and learn more about the trees and the program itself, so this tagging solution has been a big win for us.” The new and improved Treasure Tree Program is currently up to 147 trees.

To learn more, check out their website: https://treescharlotte.org/treasuretrees/

View their self-guided tree tours here: www.treescharlotte.org/self-guided-tours

Photo Credit: Brett Dupree

NOTE: National Band & Tag is only responsible for manufacturing the black, rectangle tags. We did not make the white, diamond shaped signs.

Tree and Plant Labels for ArbNet Accreditation

What is ArbNet?

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is designed to recognize standards of excellence in tree-focused gardens, foster professionalism of arboreta worldwide, enable conservation collections and scientific collaborations, and advance the planting study, and conservation of trees. An ArbNet Accreditation provides multiple benefits, such as being recognized for your achievements, earn distinction in your professional and local communities, serving as a model arboretum, and having opportunities for collaboration with other arboreta.

The four levels of accreditation recognize arboreta at various degrees of development, capacity, and professionalism. Accredited arboreta are encouraged to seek and achieve higher professional standards and move up through the levels.

Do I need to label my trees?

If you are an arboretum looking to get your ArbNet accreditation, one of the credentials for applying is you must have labeled trees and woody plant taxa.

25+ labels – Level I
100+ labels – Level II
500+ labels – level III & Level IV

National Band & Tag can help both small and large arboretums with our 3″ x 5″ Arboretum Labels and 1.5″ x 4.5″ Plant Labels. These are our two most popular styles. They are made from UV Stable Black Aluminum that can last outdoors for 20+ years. NB&T tags can be customized with text, QR Codes, logos, and artwork. Other styles and materials of tree tags are available.

Thank you to our ArbNet Accredited customers who shared pictures with us!

Arboretum at Redmond Park (Bensenville, IL) – ArbNet Level II

Carl S English Jr. Botanical Garden (Seattle, WA) – ArbNet Level II

Cave Hill Heritage Foundation, Inc. (Louisville, KY) – ArbNet Level II

Century Park Arboretum – (Vernon Hills, IL) ArbNet Level II

Heritage Center Arboretum – (Cincinnati, OH) ArbNet Level I

Lewis & Clark State College Arboretum – (Lewiston, ID) ArbNet Level I

Mahr Park Arboretum – (Madisonville, KY) ArbNet Level I

Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum – (Charleston, WV) ArbNet Level II

Oak Lawn Cemetery Association – (Fairfield, CT) ArbNet Level II

Old Mountain Arboretum (Winona, MS) – ArbNet Level I

Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum – (Cincinnati, OH) ArbNet Level II

The Arboretum at Salve Regina University – (Newport, RI) Level II

Van Vorst Park – (Jersey City, New Jersey) ArbNet Level I

The Woodlawn Cemetery – (Bronx, NY) ArbNet Level II

Tags to Identify Everything in Your Arboretum

Trees, plants, shrubs, flowers all come in different sizes, and so should your identification tags! NB&T can help create a simple or extravagant look to your ID tags for your arboretum, walking trail, botanical garden, or nature preserve. We’ve listened and learned from our customers, and with their help, came up with these popular tags for trees, plants, and everything else in your arboretum.

Our most popular style is the #14ARBOR Tags. These large, 3” x 5” tags are made from Black UV Stable Aluminum, which provides high visibility and will last outdoors for 20+ years.

For attaching your tag directly to the tree, we offer nails and springs (styles #1529 & # 1528). Or if you don’t want the tag directly on the tree, we offer 20” tall stakes (style #1530). Stakes come with an adhesive label for attaching the tag to the stake.

Our customers like to put QR Codes on their Arboretum Tags to create a self-guided walking trail experience. You can read more here on how to create a trail with QR Coded tags.

While the 3” x 5” is one of the largest tags we offer, we also have other shapes and sizes available for your tree tagging needs.

Style # 14ARBOR (Two 5/32″ Holes)

Tag Style #14ARBORNH (No Holes) with Stake (Style #1530)

Plant Tags

New as of 2020! Style #14PLANT is a 1.5” x 4.5” plant tag, made to match the tree tag version. Even though these tags are smaller, we are still able to offer QR Codes and logos due to our high-tech laser etching process. By matching your plant tags and tree tags, you can create a clean, cohesive look to your arboretum.

For attaching the plant tag, we offer 12” stakes (style #1531). Stakes come with an adhesive label for attaching the tag to the stake.

plant tags with small stakes. black uv stable material custom text and logos

Tag Style #14PLANT with Stake Style #1531

Memorial Tags

Honor those who donate to your arboretum with a memorial tag! The tags can be mounted to trees, benches, fountains, and statues, to memorialize those who have donated, employees, sponsors, etc. Memorial Tags can be personalized with names, dates, quotes, and almost anything else you could imagine. They are also made from the same Black UV Stable Aluminum material as the plant and tree tags which means it will last outdoors for 20+ years

Data Transfer

Use this Excel Sheet to send us the information you want laser etched onto your tags. Sketches, drawings, and mockups are also helpful to ensure we get the layout of your tags correct. If you have questions, email us at tags@nationalband.com or call us at 859-261-2035 and one of our customer service representatives will assist you.

How to Attach a Tree Tag

There are a few different ways to attach a tree tag or arboretum tag. Check out the options below to find the best method for your organization. The most popular ways are using a nail/spring combo directly on the tree or a metal stake in the ground next to the tree.

#1. Spring and Aluminum Nail Combo

Aluminum Nails with Stainless Steel Springs allow the tag to stay off the tree. As the tree grows, the springs will compress. This helps keep the tree from growing over the tag. Please remember to put the springs behind the tag, in-between the tag and the tree, and not in front of the tag. 5/32″ hole size is recommended when using our 3″ aluminum nails.

2 1/8″ Stainless Steel Springs (Box of 50)
Style 1528
Spring Diameter – 3/8″

3″ Aluminum Nails (Box of 50)
Style 1529
1/8″ diameter (you will need larger than 1/8″ hole)

arboretum tag hardware

WE DON’T RECOMMEND USING SCREWS WHEN MOUNTING DIRECTLY ON THE TREE!

You can see in the pictures below where the screws compressed the springs and drove the tag all the way down to the tree. This defeats the purpose of leaving room for the tree to grow. Even if they had left room for the springs to expand, the screws are larger than the holes, so the tag cannot slide on the screw. If the screws are smaller than the holes, if it is put in at the slightest angle, the tag could get caught up on the screw’s threads, not allowing it to slide. National Band & Tag is not responsible for ruined tags due to incorrect mounting.

#2 Stakes In The Ground

If you don’t want to put the tag directly on the tree you can use metal stakes, or a post (see #3). These stakes are 20″ inches tall, so even when in the ground, people won’t have to bend down that far to read the tag.

3/4″ x 20″ Stake
Style 1530
Black Aluminum
3″ bend and 1/8″ thick
Comes with a 3″ strip of 3M tape already adhered to the stake. Just peel the protective paper off the adhesive and attach the tag.

We also offer a smaller stake (1/2″ x 12″) for plant tags. Style 1531. Click here to learn more.

tree tag stake

#3 Posts

Use a wood post set in concrete and then use screws or nails to mount the tag onto the post. Or use a metal post and use wire to tie the tag around the post. (NB&T does not supply posts).

Shown with four 1/8″ inch holes, 1″ inch apart.

#4 Hang the Tags

You can use zip ties or wire to hang the tags off a branch.

Arbor Day

National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, but each state celebrates its own Arbor Day depending on when the best times to plant trees in their area is. This day is used to celebrate trees and encourage people to plant trees, bushes, and plants in their local neighborhood.

National Band & Tag is celebrating Arbor Day with our Arboretum Tags and Tree Tags. We manufacture custom tags to go on trees for a multitude of reasons. Arboretums tag their trees to identify the name, scientific name, origin, and provide visitors with other information about that specific tree.

Tree tags have multiple uses depending on the organization do the tagging, some examples of tree tags are identifying trees that have been treated for emerald ash borer, city stormwater trees, trees to protect and not cut down, forestry research trees, memorial trees, and more.

When Julius Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day back in 1872, his idea was simple, set aside a special day for tree planting. Share with us in the comments below, how you are celebrating Arbor Day? If you can’t plant a tree, try cleaning up a local park, visiting your local arboretum, or donating to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Environmental Management Tags

Did you know, National Band & Tag can assist environmental agencies, consulting firms, and other environmental services? Current environmental customers of ours are usually working to help protect the environment by helping companies and municipalities meet the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) requirements.

Some of the solutions our customers offer are permitting for projects with impact on wetlands, solutions for infrastructure of urban water planning, stormwater solutions to address issues of a single outfall or throughout an entire watershed, environmental assessments, testing of air, drinking water, wastewater, and more.

Tree Tags – Environmental customers use tree tags to label trees that are for stormwater, should not be cut down, or to ID ownership. An urban forest management plan gives public works agencies detailed information, recommendations, and resources needed to effectively and proactively manage public trees. Urban forest management may use tree tags like the picture below to ID public trees.

Style 115 – Plain Aluminum

Well Permit Tags – Environmental customers may offer permitting services and help municipalities with permits such as well permit tags. When groundwater wells, inject wells, drilled wells, and other types of wells aren’t properly managed or permitted, local groundwater can be affected.

Style 14 – UV Stable Black Aluminum

Contact us today for your free quote on tags for environmental uses.

Plastic Ear Tags, Not Just for Cows.

Did you know that there are many uses for cattle ear tags that aren’t for cows (or any other animal on Old McDonald’s Farm)? These versatile, plastic, bright-colored cattle ear tags can be customized for different personal and promotional uses, such as:

Identification for trees
Vineyard row post
Orchard Tags
Invitations
Luggage tags
Asset tags
Asset Color coordination
Wedding gifts
Keychains
Save the Dates
And more!

NB&T resells plastic ear tags from popular manufacturers such as AllFlex, PermaFlex and Destron Fearing. Just pick your tag style, and let us know what text, logo, design, or numbering that you want on your non-ear, ear tags for a free quote.

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Forestry Service’s Cone Orchard

Have you ever seen a tree tag and wondered what the information on it was used for? Well in this instance, our customer used our UV Stable Tree Tags to I.D. trees used to produce cone crops.

Greg M. Peters’ article “How the Forest Service Grows Millions of Seedlings Each Year” in the National Forests Magazine, by the National Forest Foundation, talks about his adventure going to visit the Plains Tree Improvement Area in Idaho. Also known as the Plains Tree Orchard, this facility, among others, produce seeds that the Forest Service uses to reforest millions of acres of National Forests across the United States.

In his article, Peters talks about how in the past, the Forest Service used to go out into the woods to gather cones, but today they use these orchards of trees to gather cones. This allows the forestry service to gather cones from trees with natural genetic resistance to disease, insect infestation, or that grow in a specific way or to a certain size.

Onsite at the orchard, cones are dried out and their seeds are used in controlled tests. These tests are carefully monitored so that only the best of the best seeds are planted in the orchard. As Peters calls them, these “Elite Tree” are then used for more field trials in the orchard or can be taken out into the wild to be planted. In the article, it talks about the white pine blister rust disease that destroyed many trees over 60 years ago, but with the Forest Service finding certain trees that were resistant to the disease, they were able to collect cones and create an orchard of blister-resistant pine trees.

Read more on Greg M. Peters’ article “How the Forest Service Grows Millions of Seedlings Each Year”, and learn more about how the Forest Service has created some of the most productive forests in the world by collecting cones that contain the genetic material from the best performing seedlings cultivated and tested over decades.

Are you a part of the forestry service in need of tree tags? Contact us for a free quote.

The Round Tag that Meets All Your Needs

NB&T’s most popular style of tag the # 137 a 1-¼” inch round tag that can be used for multiple applications across numerous industries. Check out a few of the top applications we see for this style of tag.

Crematory Tags:

COMPANY TYPES: Crematoriums, Mortuaries, Funeral Homes, Pet Cremations

USE: 304 Stainless Steel stamped tags are used to identify both human and pet remains as they go through the cremation process to ensure proper identification at all times. 304 Stainless Steel tags will not melt in the crematorium, so they are able to go in the fire and stay with the remains.

Tree Tags:

COMPANY TYPES: Landscape Architecture Firms, Plant Ecologist, U.S. Forest Service, Tree and Lawn Care Services, Lumber Production Companies, Arborist Consultants, Tree & Stump Removal, Arborist/Forestry Supply Stores

USE: There are many types of tree tags available, but a stamped #137 is popular for the above companies because their main goal is to number and identify specific trees. The trees could be numbered for a multitude of reasons, from labeling diseased trees, trees to cut down or save, trees to trim and more. A plain aluminum 137 is durable enough to last outside, while also being discreetly visible on the tree.

Dog & Cat Tags:

COMPANY TYPES: Veterinarians, Municipalities, Cities, Counties, Humane Societies, Animal Shelters, Kennels, Animal Hospitals, and Clinics.

USE: Rabies Tags indicate that an animal has had its rabies vaccine. Cities and counties use License Tags to show that your pet has been licensed in that area. General dog and cat I.D. tags are used by animal shelters, humane societies, SPCA’s, etc. to I.D. the animals in that company’s care.

Survey Tags:

COMPANY TYPES: Surveying Companies, Survey and Mapping Equipment Suppliers,

USE: These tags have a hole in the middle for a nail to go through so that it can be attached to the ground, trees, and other objects for surveying and mapping points of land. Usually, the surveyor’s license number is stamped on the tag.

Pole Tags:

COMPANY TYPES: Power Pole Inspection Companies, Utility Companies, Wood Pole Manufacturers

USE: Pole Tags are used on power poles, telecommunication poles, and other wood poles to identify that they have been inspected. Pole Tags can range from a small, simple stamped tag with the year on it, to a large barcoded tag that makes inspection easier by scanning the barcode.

Valve & Pipe Tags:

COMPANY TYPES: Chemical, Petroleum, Gas, Utility Companies

USE: Valve & Pipe Tags identify the flow of what is inside the pipes and relay important information and identification at the point of need. These tags help reduce pipe related accidents and pass safety inspections. #137 is popular for this because it is a visible size, but not in the way, and can dangle off the valve.