Four transplanted oak trees were placed in the historic area in front of West Dorm on Tuesday, Dec. 17, replacing trees that were lost during a thunderstorm in May 2000. Details...
Workers with Bland Tree Service Co., of Raleigh guided the oaks into 6-foot holes, which were dug on Monday, with the use of a crane. The new trees were harvested Monday from Shady Grove Nursery near Columbia, S.C., then loaded on flatbed tractor trailers for delivery to Elon. Weighing approximately 5,000 pounds each, the 15-year-old trees stand 35 feet tall. Neil Bromilow, director of construction management, said the new trees have been strategically placed to generate shade in the area where graduates and guests sit each May during Commencement exercises.
As the trees were lifted from the trucks, workers removed straps that secured the trees and untangled branches. The trees’ root balls were wrapped in burlap to keep moisture in and air out, Bromilow said. The burlap wrapping was left in place as the trees were placed in the holes, protecting the root system. Although dormant now, the trees will require a generous amount of water in the spring and summer.
Three oaks and an evergreen tree in the area Under the Oaks in front of West Dorm were casualties of a line of severe thunderstorms on May 25, 2000 that caused significant damage from Greensboro to Raleigh.
While some trees on campus suffered damage from the Dec. 4-5 ice storm, none have had to be removed, said Larry Rhodes, director of landscaping and grounds. Rhodes said some of the damaged trees will be monitored over the next several months to determine whether they will survive long-term or should be replaced. Rhodes said the cleanup effort on campus from the ice storm is mostly complete.