FAQs Outdoor space
'Pruning back for growth'
'Yes, a number of trees have had to go, as we really need the space to be able to build the new campus heart over the next few years.
But: in March, 70 trees were relocated to the northside of Woudestein. These trees had to be pruned back drastically in order to avoid damage during relocation.
Replanting them was a tricky operation. Felled trees have been put to sustainable use: healthy trunks went to the wood-processing industries, the remaining parts to bio mass plants.
Right now, things aren't looking so pretty, but I promise you: come 2013, we will have planted more trees back than have disappeared from campus so far.'
Kees Lansbergen,
Director Erasmus Facility Services
Why did certain trees have to go?
In the new project plan Working on Tomorrow's Campus, many trees are in locations where they cannot remain. Plaza will be built there, the Student Pavilion, student accommodations, and the new water feature.
Also, various locations on campus will get large top-ups of soil to reduce the present difference in level. Trees are unable to cope with this.
This is also why, say, the ornamental cherries where felled. Unfortunately, these trees are unfit for replanting because of the unfavourable root system of this tree type. As a result, it isn't possible to get a good-sized root ball.
Why have certain trees not been replanted?
In consultation with tree conservationists De Bomenridders, tree consultants and landscape maintenance firms, it has been decided which trees could be replanted. If they could be, they were.
Copijn Boomspecialisten BV checked each single tree for 'replantability'. Every specimen that was suitable, was actually replanted.
What makes trees unfit for replanting?
The trees that have been felled were unfit for replanting because of a variety of reasons:
- Some types of trees have a low regenerative capacity, for instance silver maples
- A very superficial root system (as have Caucasian wingnuts) which does not allow for a root ball suitable for replantin
- Too old
- In middling to bad shape
- Planted too closely together, so replanting would have damaged the root system.
Will Woudestein become a green campus again after 2015?
It will! In the new plan, at least as many trees will be planted as have been felled so far.
On Plaza, nearly 100 trees will be planted, and in the campus heart around the pond, there will be over 70. Institutenlaan will once more be lined with trees, but with honey locust trees this time round. These allow more light to be filtered through. The blossom trees will also make a come-back in the new plan and will be planted around the pond.
It goes without saying that the high-quality campus that is the result of all of these plans will have a green feel to it. Everyone will once more be able to enjoy some natural beauty in the heart of campus.
Questions?
Would you like to know more about a certain aspect of outdoor space?
Please contact Eramus Facility Services:
T (010) 408 11 55
E campusinontwikkeling@efb.eur.nl
Project manager: Marjolein Geerards
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