Commitment to Campus Beautification
Over the past few years, unprecedented freezing temperatures has caused significant damage to several trees on Texas Tech campus, resulting in many being removed. In addition to weather-related losses, some trees on campus are older and are no longer thriving due to their age. With Texas Tech being in its centennial year, some trees have been on campus for 100 years and have reached their full lifecycle.
Lance Rampy, Associate Managing Director for Grounds Maintenance, explained that as campus expands, some trees must also be removed to allow space for new construction. In these situations, the grounds team tries to relocate the trees to other areas on campus, but this isn't always possible.
Associate Vice President for Operations, Sean Childers, explained that because of these factors causing a decline of trees and vegetation on campus, the Operations Division is committed to enhancing the landscaping on campus for all to enjoy.
“The Operations Division will be focusing heavily on rejuvenating and replenishing not only what was lost, but adding to the beautiful landscape around campus,” he said.
The Grounds Maintenance team has set a goal of planting 300 new trees on Tech campus this year. The tree planting began in March 2023, and is expected to be completed by August 2023.
Finding the Right Trees
Before planting could begin, months of planning and preparation took place. In September 2022, Mike Quartaro, Arborist at Texas Tech, began searching for the perfect trees to bring on campus.
“We've had some hard winters and some of the nurseries have lost quite a few trees, making it
hard to find the sizes that you want,” Quartaro said. “Finding the right variety that you want,
and the sizes is a challenge.”
Quartaro traveled to Stephenville, TX and Glen Flora, TX to locate the desired tree species for
the project. The species selected consist of: Chinese Pistache, Cedar Elm, Red Oak, Redbud, Crepe Myrtle, Crabapple trees, and more. The trees selected for the project are native to the area to ensure they thrive once planted.
After the trees were located and brought to Lubbock, a detailed tagging process took place. Quartaro examined the branch patterns of the trees and hand-selected the trees that would be planted.
The trees will be planted throughout the Texas Tech campus.
University Student Housing Gives Back
The tree planting initiative has been a team effort with University Student Housing getting involved. According to Tanya Massey, Senior Managing Director of Housing at Tech, the former Director of Housing, Sean Duggan, noticed the loss of several trees after a freeze in 2019 and wanted to contribute to revitalization efforts. Duggan recently retired in 2022 before the planting began.
Massey is committed to honoring Duggan's plans to contribute to campus revitalization and is excited to play a part in the new trees being planted this year.
“He was very forward-thinking about giving back to the university,” Massey said. “He allocated $25,000 to go toward tree replacement.”
With the $25,000 contribution from housing, 60 trees will be planted around several residence halls on campus. Massey hopes planting these trees will increase color and curb appeal on campus as well as make campus welcoming and comfortable for students.
“This is our way to say we are part of the Texas Tech community,” said Massey. “Our students spend 90 percent of their time here on campus because they live here, they work here, they go to class. We want to make sure we are contributing to the campus culture.”
A Monumental Planting Effort
A tree planting of this size is not typical. According to Rampy, 25-100 new trees are planted on campus each year. This planting will be triple that amount.
“This is the first time I have seen something of this magnitude” Rampy said. “I think it's a pretty lofty goal and it's a great goal for campus.”
While preparing for this planting effort, it was essential for the Grounds Maintenance team to remain forward-thinking.
“Our biggest obstacle is looking ahead to the future and what administration has in store for the campus,” Rampy said. “If there's a new building going up, we have to make sure trees are planted in the right spot, so they don't have to relocate or take down any trees in the future.”
Those involved in this project have high hopes for what the trees will bring to the
campus.
Childers hopes these enhancements will be enjoyed by members of the Texas Tech and
Lubbock community.
“With the many Texas Tech community members that enjoy the campus outdoors, it is important to maintain the aesthetics of the campus while promoting wellbeing through landscape and tree enhancements,” Childers said.
“The Operations Division is committed to maintaining the utmost visually appealing and sustainable outdoor landscape and features. This commitment is not only for appearance, but for the enjoyment and pleasure of the TTU, Lubbock and visiting community and guests to the campus.”
The Operations Division is excited to bring a monumental planting initiative to the Texas Tech campus during a monumental, centennial year.