Landscaping FAQ
Why did that tree die?
We can’t always be sure but in many cases in urban environments like campus the cause can be traced back to root injury. Soil compaction, weather and infestations by insects or disease are also contributing factors and are in some cases the direct cause. Trees are much like people in that as the age they are less able to recover from injury. Repairs, replacement and installation of underground utilities commonly inflicts damage on our trees and their root systems. These aging, damaged trees are more susceptible to weather extremes and insect and disease infestations. So in many instances it’s a combination of factors that contribute to the death of a tree.
Why are you cutting down that tree?
Outside of new construction most tree removals on campus are done are strictly for safety reasons. We have a Certified Arborist on staff who is qualified in determining the safety of a tree. When a tree is unsafe it’s our responsibility to remove it as soon as possible. In a few instances trees that have become overgrown for their location and are blocking important views or interfering with infrastructure and are removed for these reasons.
When should I cut back my Crape Myrtle?
Never. Those in the know call this “Crape Murder”. It’s OK to trim Crapes just like any other other tree to remove dead, diseased, dying or damaged limbs or any low hanging branches that might interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
How do you choose what trees to plant?
We try to consider all possible factors including ultimate size and shape, water, light and soil requirements, aesthetic qualities and maintenance needs. We really strive to pick the right plant for the spot so that it enhances the campus landscape for years to come. Diversity of species is important to the landscape for aesthetic and cultural reasons. So you’re sure to see a wide variety of trees on campus.
Why do you pull out the flowers when they still look good only to replace them with other flowers?
Because in spring we plant annuals that will thrive in the warmer months and in fall we plant ones that will do well in the cooler months. We think it’s best to change the existing beds before cold or heat kills them so that they always look good for our visitors and the campus community. Availability of plant material is also taken into consideration when timing bed changes.
Why don’t you reuse the tulips you plant or just leave them in the ground to bloom next year.
Because our seasons aren’t cool and moist enough for tulips to consistently look good year after year. Tulips take up valuable space that would otherwise be used for summer annuals. Left in the ground tulips would prevent tilling of our beds. Growing tulips as annuals offers the best show with the flexibility to change color theme each year.
Is that tree dead?
No. It’s simply a deciduous conifer. Most people assume all conifers are evergreen like pines and spruces.
Why don’t you use more native plants on campus?
We do use many native plants on campus. However, these tend to be used more on the fringes where the growing conditions are more similar to the natural environment. All natives were used at the Barn and many native species were included at the new Welcome Center. Many of our inner campus spaces are essentially microclimates or heat islands caused pavemnet and other heat gathering materials such as brick and concrete. Therefore, most plants that are native here will not thrive in these areas.
Does the toilet paper hurt the trees?
Not so much directly. However, the compaction from the thousands of feet of those that throw the paper over the course of time and those that have to remove it does harm the trees and the turf. “Grass grows by the inch and is killed by the foot”- Unknown author.