100 year-old tree on UR campus will be cut down

The oldest tree on UR’s campus will no longer remain by the end of the summer. Did the university do all that it could to salvage it, and what, if anything, will take its place?

June 20, 2011; 4:02 PM • by RVANews staff

An aged white oak tree near the University of Richmond’s E. Clairbone Robins Stadium will be chopped down later this summer. It’s estimated that the oak tree is over 100 years in age. Regarded as the oldest tree on the UR campus, it sprouted before UR moved from their original downtown Richmond campus to their current West End location back in 1914.

“The University made a tremendous effort to save the tree during construction at Robins Stadium,” said Steve Glass, the University’s horticulturist and landscape manager in a press release. “But unfortunately its old age, combined with the trauma of multiple lightning strikes has resulted in decline and for safety reasons it must be removed.”

Some of the extensive efforts to save and maintain the tree back in 2010 during Robins Stadium construction included a root invigoration program, aeration (a process through which air is introduced), fertilization, and regular visits from a Certified Master Arborist.

In the spot of the soon-to-be removed tree, the University plans to plant loblolly pines. Approximately 200 seedlings from the existing white oak have been collected to be used for future growing on the campus. The University also plans for timber from the tree to be used for other on-campus projects. The tree will have to be cut down and inspected to determine the quality and amount of salvageable timber.

Photo by: RichmondSpiders.com