This year marks the eighth consecutive year Auburn's won the Tree Campus USA Designation, and Horticulture Professor Gary Keever said the University has already begun work toward earning its ninth.
“Throughout the year, AU Landscape Services documents expenses associated with all tree planting care,” Keever said. "This treatment includes pruning, fertilizing, mulching and more."
Keever said approximately 600 trees have been planted throughout Auburn’s campus. These trees vary in size from seedlings to plants exceeding the size of those on Toomer’s Corner.
Arbor Week falls during the last week of February in Alabama.
In celebration, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum hosts an event involving a tree planting, the removing of an invasive species or another service learning project.
Throughout the year Auburn consciously meets and goes beyond each requirement for recertification to earn the Tree Campus USA status another year.
Auburn meets these with a campus tree advisory committee and a campus tree care plan which the University has had for years.
“It is a privilege for me to be able to compile and submit the required information for recertification,” Keever said. “I know the efforts of many truly enhance the beauty of our campus reflects the respect campus trees deserve.”
Campus Planner Benjamin Burmester said trees benefit Auburn's campus in more than one way.
“The campus master plan and landscape master plan both recognize the benefits trees provide to our campus ranging from aesthetics to sustainability," Burmester said.
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