Fully one-quarter (eight of 32) of the large trees lining the stretch of 13th Avenue between the EMU and the University Bookstore have been cut down in the last five years (see the "University of Oregon Atlas of Trees," 1996). The reason for the alarming increase in cutting is that the University hired a full-time arborist five years ago. The overwhelming majority of these trees have been removed as hazards. The arborists and the grounds supervisor have argued to me that the increased hazard removal rate is due to increased scrutiny and recognition of hazards made possible by a full-time arborist. I would argue in addition that the burden of public safety has, understandably, made the arborist overly conservative.
Whatever the reasons for the alarming rate of tree removal, I hope that the University community becomes vocal in its support for options to removal. These options often exist, though they may be costly or, to some, unsightly. For example, the Italian Stone Pine in front of the Volcanology building is scheduled for removal this week. I have been told by the arborist that this tree could be made safe, for the moment, with cables and topping, but that this would leave it an unsightly "bush" in declining health. I agree that the tree would look battle-scarred, but considering the removal rate (all neighboring older trees have been removed and two other large trees on 13th Avenue may soon be removed), I think we should attempt to prolong the life of every important tree. Besides, the Italian Stone Pine often looks asymmetrical and struggling in its natural setting. In addition, this tree was donated under the Century Tree program and is the only remaining Pinus pinea, according to the 1996 Tree Atlas, on a campus famous for its diversity of trees.
I encourage others to watch for removal notification signs on trees and to express to the groundskeepers (they can be reached at timking@oregon.uoregon.edu) their support for options to removal -- in the case of this tree and in the many cases to come.
Though we strongly disagree on the value of prolonging the life of the Italian Stone Pine, I am pleased with the efforts of the grounds crew to modify architectural plans, which often cause unseen damage, so that fewer trees will become hazards in the future.
Robert Schofield is a senior research associate in the physics department.
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