OSU-Tulsa Plans New Landscaping
Oklahoma State University-Tulsa officials have announced a landscape plan that will repopulate the trees on campus that were lost in last winter’s ice storm.
At a joint meeting between the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees and the University Center at Tulsa Authority yesterday, President Gary Trennepohl said Dan Alaback of Alaback Design Associates, Inc. has designed a landscape plan that will restore the beauty that was lost during the Dec. 9, 2007 ice storm. Nearly 100 mature trees had to be removed from campus because of heavy ice damage. Trennepohl said the new trees will leave a lasting impact at OSU-Tulsa.
“Our campus has always been a source of beauty and pride for our students, faculty and staff, as well as the Tulsa community,” Trennepohl said. “But, now we also recognize this landscape project as a sustainability activity for a greener future. It goes hand-in-hand with our focus on increased environmental awareness, community responsibility and energy conservation.”
Following the ice storm, the campus was changed most notably on John Hope Franklin Boulevard, the main artery through OSU-Tulsa. Alaback Design completed a site assessment in February, with plans for planting to begin later this spring. The budget for the project is $150,000 and is being funded through the UCT Authority.
Alaback’s design plans add significantly more evergreen trees for year-round visual impact and a variety of different trees to provide colorful landscapes during the spring and fall.
Tree species selected for the new design include Allee Lacebark Elm, Shumard Oak, Overcup Oak, Loblolly Pine, Nellie Stevens Holly, Black Gum and Red Sunset Maple. The trees will be planted in groupings to simulate those found in nature.
Updated 03-23-2009
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