[1] The arboretum was originally part of a large estate owned by the Jesuits during the Spanish colonial period.

The Tuason family acquired the property in the 19th century including the open lands of the Santa Mesa and Mariquina estates.

The site of the arboretum was initially converted to a forest nursery by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

During World War II, this "wooded area" housed the "American employees' quarters" of the United States Army.

When the Philippines gained independence in 1948, the nursery was turned over to the university by the U.S. government and the arboretum was established.