The trees and greenspace at the University contribute greatly to our campus identity while also playing an important role in student and faculty health, happiness, recreation, and more. The primary goal of the Grounds Department is to have thriving, well-managed landscapes that promote positive social, environmental, economic and public health impacts on campus and in the community.
Routine turf maintenance on campus requires the department to manage a number of seasonal objectives starting with Spring cleanup and turf repairs after the long winter. Regular maintenance also includes seasonal aerating, seeding, and fertilizer/herbicide applications. Many parts of campus are also irrigated, requiring seasonal preparation, repairs, and winterization of the underground watering system. Irrigated parts of campus are watered overnight to promote soil infiltration.
Mowing on campus is a daily task in the summer months. Although, the schedule shifts based on weather conditions and planned campus events, the mowing schedule is generally as follows:
Day 1: Core Campus
Day 2: Student Development Complex & Athletic Fields
Day 3: Residence Halls, Meese Center, & Forestry
Day 4: Garnet Street, Sharon Avenue, & Cemetery Road Locations
Day 5: Daniell Heights
Tree management on campus is outlined in the University’s Campus Tree Care Plan. In general, tree maintenance consists of a combination of trimming, overall health care, and preventative treatments for diseases and insects. Over the past several years the department has also been working to place mulch around the trees on campus. Mulch can be beneficial to tree health by retaining moisture, increasing biodiversity, and protecting the tree from mower or trimmer damage.
Campus trees are mapped and inventoried. The department visually inspects campus trees to look for signs of stress or hazards on a seasonal basis. Observations are reported and the department determines the appropriate course of action needed to mitigate risks to people and property. These activities can generally be categorized as follows:
- Safety - Trees that are dead or dying will be removed. Similarly, structurally unstable branches and limbs will be removed to mitigate the potential for personal injury or property damage.
- Security - Trees, shrubs, and similar vegetation that obstruct campus security cameras or otherwise create potentially safe conditions will be trimmed or removed.
- Maintenance - Pruning and trimming will be performed as needed to:
- Encourage proper plant growth and structure.
- Provide adequate clearance for buildings, pedestrians, and equipment.
- Minimize impacts caused by disease, insects, or similar pests.
- Mitigate the potential for weather related damage.
- Maintain lines of sight for motorists and pedestrians.
If you have any questions about turf management or tree care on campus, please contact Facilities Management. If you’d like to request services or report a grounds-related issue, please submit a work request. Work requests will typically be reviewed by department staff within 24 hours. Typical hours of operation for Facilities Management staff is 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.