Dear Colgate Community,
As part of our continuous effort to be good stewards of campus, and in maintenance of Colgate's landscape and tree canopy, we will be removing several willow trees from Willow Path this week. Our campus arborist has helped to determine which trees to remove based on failing health and safety hazard concerns.
The coral bark willows that line Willow Path were planted between 1989 and 1991 and have an expected lifespan of 40 years. We have an ongoing tree-care program that includes rejuvenation pruning, structural cabling, and soil testing and treatment as needed to extend the lifespan of the current willows to the greatest extent possible while also making strategic replacements as they become necessary.
Fortunately, we have been able to source matching replacement trees, which will be planted this spring. The tree removals may seem alarming given the size of the trees and the gaps that will remain along the pathway until the new trees can be planted and grow to maturity, but the project is part of Colgate’s commitment to restoring and maintaining this important landmark for generations to come. Below you will find a plan showing which trees will be removed.
Please use caution and avoid Willow Path while the tree removal is taking place.
Respectfully,
Katy Jacobs
Project Manager - Landscape
