Tree relocation begins at the New Campus Development
Five trees on the New Campus Development site were relocated on May 31. The trees were placed in areas that won’t be disturbed by future construction, so that they can take root and continue to grow.
All five trees were previously located in the area slated for construction of the parking structure to support the new hospital.
To be suitable for relocation, trees needed to meet three main criteria:
- Under 22 cm diameter at breast height (a standard measurement used in horticulture), so that most of the root ball could be moved with the tree.
- Good condition, so that they are more likely to thrive following their relocation. Trees with root damage or other concerns were not moved.
- Native species, or horticulturally unique, to support native pollinators and wildlife and so that invasive species are not spread through the site.
These trees are the first to be planted – or in this case, replanted – on the site during construction of the New Campus Development. As part of the hospital’s commitment to the urban canopy, trees will be planted across the site to achieve a 40 percent canopy cover in 40 years – increased from the site’s previous canopy cover of 27 percent.
In addition to relocating suitable trees at each stage of site preparation, the team is exploring opportunities for early planting in areas that won’t be excavated or built on later in the project.
