Tree Management

Adapting to Change, Tree Management on Campus

During the next few months, Missouri State Grounds Services will be removing and treating some trees on campus.

Emerald Ash Borer threatens all campus ash trees

Unfortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has moved into into Greene County. The Emerald Ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an exotic, invasive wood-borer whose larvae burrow under the bark of ash trees resulting in a fatality rate of nearly 100%.

Missouri State Grounds Services will be following recommendations for managing EAB by treating 15 mature trees that are in good condition and removing smaller trees and trees that are already in decline. The Department of Conservation offers information about the Emerald Ash Borer, provides recommendations for homeowners and has pictures of what to look for to identify this invasive pest.

Removing invasive species

Along Grand Street and throughout campus you have probably noticed the white blooming, fast growing Callery Pear Trees (Pyrus calleryana). Callery pears, also known as Bradford Pears, have been a popular ornamental tree planted in urban landscapes throughout the nation. In recent years the Callery Pear, once thought to be sterile, has hybridized with other pear species resulting in a fast-growing invasive tree that is invading fence lines and forests in Missouri.

Grounds Services is following the recommendation of the Missouri Department of Conservation to remove Callery Pear from our campus landscapes to prevent further spread and hybridization. Grounds Services has received a TRIM (Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance) grant through the Department of Conservation to assist with the cost of removing the large Callery Pears along Grand Street. This TRIM grant will fund the removal of 24 large Callery Pears this spring and help reduce the possible spread of this invasive species.

Grounds Services will continue gradually removing Callery Pears from the Missouri State University campus landscape over the next few years.

The Missouri Invasive Plant Task force has specific information about the Callery Pear and steps that are being taken in Missouri to reduce this species.

Replacing trees

The good news is tree management is an integral part of Grounds Services. We will continue to replace trees removed by using best practices for replacement. With three certified arborists on staff we strive to make good decisions regarding tree replacement.

Along Grand Street, where these trees will be removed, we will be replanting trees that remain smaller and still provide shade as well as shrubs that will provide color and soften the landscape. The trees will be selected so they are suitable for the environmental conditions along Grand Street and along the parking lots. These trees will be paid for by funds provided by generous donors.

We work to maintain a diverse, healthy, appealing, and safe environment for our campus community. If you would like to play a part in our efforts to ensure a healthy tree population on our campus, visit the Missouri State University Foundation web site and make a donation. The funds we receive are used to purchase new or replacement trees for our campus. Gifts can be made online. Designate your gift to the “Campus ReLeaf” fund.

If you would like to have more information about the trees on the Missouri State University campus, please visit MyTreeKeeper on the Grounds Services web page.