Old-growth forest adjacent to Lane Stadium tree risk assessment and mitigation underway

From: Division of Facilities

Throughout 2024, Urban Forest Manager and University Arborist Jamie King performed proactive tree risk assessments for targeted trees along the most highly utilized paths through the old-growth forest adjacent to Lane Stadium and at various sites across the Blacksburg campus. The results recommend maintenance opportunities stemming from the analysis that will help mitigate potential safety risks to the university community while supporting conservation of the urban forest.

Two trees in decline with structural defects in close proximity to the east and west edges of the old-growth forest adjacent to Lane Stadium will be pruned. Debris resulting from this risk mitigation will remain within the forest, supporting the forest's delicate ecology.

Two trees at The Grove, one tree at Hillcrest Hall, and one tree at Owens Hall will be removed. Additionally, five trees at sites across campus including the Virginia-Maryland College Of Veterinary Medicine, the Drillfield, and the amphitheatre near The Grove will be pruned to reduce risk to the public. The removals and pruning practices recommended for risk reduction also support tree preservation by limiting deadwood and tree and branch failures that may create wounds and expose trees to decaying organisms, all while providing wildlife habitats on campus.

Maintenance activities will begin in October 2024.

Questions may be directed to vtfacilities@vt.edu.