Visitor Etiquette

Visitor Guidelines

  • Respect the gardens. This is a teaching and research facility. Do not pick or remove anything from the Arboretum and please stay on the paths.
  • Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Service animals are permitted.
  • Supervise your children at all times for their safety and for the welfare of our plants. Watch children closely especially near all water features.
  • Use the trash receptacles and blue recycling bins.
  • No bicycling, skating, skateboarding, roller-blading, balls, frisbees, or kites. We are a botanic garden, not a park.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and within 25' of all buildings. 
  • Do not throw cigarette butts on the Arboretum grounds.  
  • The arboretum is a great picnic spot in Raleigh. We have several picnic tables as well as a large lawn to spread a blanket on. Be kind, use the trash cans and cart out everything you bring in.
  • Photographers are welcome, but please do not move benches or labels, stage children in trees or plantings, or block pathways with equipment. See additional guidelines.
  • Certified nursery and landscape professionals are permitted to collect propagules from the Arboretum with prior permission from a staff member.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.