The University’s beloved Linden Tree on the front oval will get a much needed trim in early July.
The tree’s low lying branches have served as a favorite gathering spot for students and community members alike for many years. Due to increased limb weight, deadwood in the tree’s crown, and squirrel damage, two of the lower limbs will be removed in early July. The two limbs identified for removal are marked in red here and the largest of the lower limbs will still remain in place:
There’s still time for pictures!
We are working to schedule the limb removal for a date between July 1-14 and will notify the campus community when a final date has been identified. Please feel free to visit the tree for photos before then, but we ask that you use extreme caution and avoid climbing on the damaged limbs.
Linden Tree Fun Facts:
Unique Shape
The shape of our Linden tree is very unique and began to show a much more open structure with low arching branches at a young age. This unique characteristic made it a popular spot for visitors to sit and the University decided to keep it that way as long as possible.
The Linden Twins
At one time, the tree had a twin on the opposite side of the front oval. This tree had a more traditional shape and unfortunately was lost in a storm in the late 1980s.
50 Years Old
University Arborist Bob Dale estimates the tree at 50 years old—fairly old for a tree of this species in an urban environment!
Heavy Branches
The University has braced the lower branches with large stones to support the low hanging limbs and also performed selective pruning over the years to help lighten the load, but the limbs have far surpassed the weight limit.
|