By Amanda Free
In the wake of January’s blizzard and the intense storms produced by Hurricane Ike, the Physical Plant at the University of Louisville has been compelled to remove a great number of trees from university grounds this semester.
Many U of L students are greatly upset about the removal of these trees and have called on the university to keep their promise to “go green,” and put a stop this process. However, according to Larry Detherage, Physical Plant’s Associate Vice President for Facilities, the removal of these trees may actually be in the best interest of the students.
“We’re trying to ensure the safety of the students,” Detherage said.
Detherage explained the trees being demolished on campus were detrimental to the safety of students at the university. Due to damage from the various storms that rolled through Louisville earlier in the semester, these trees were likely to fall of their own accord if not removed. Therefore, the trees had to be taken down to avoid the possibility of them harming students or property.
Additionally, the trees taken from campus are not simply being destroyed after they are removed; according to Aaron Boggs, Belknap Grounds Superintendent, they are being put to good use.
“After the trees are torn down, they are chopped up and used as mulch around campus,” Boggs said.
This use of the wood from the damaged trees is consistent with the University of Louisville’s plans to be more environmentally friendly.
While many trees are being cut down, the university is making an effort to plant other trees in their place.
“So far this semester we’ve cut down 39 trees, and we’ve planted nine,” said Detherage. “The time for planting trees is almost over for spring, but many will be replaced in the fall as well.”
Detherage also said several students have contacted the Physical Plant and offered to donate or even help plant trees on campus to replace those that have been lost due to storm damage.
