Old Cottonwood Trees Replaced with Brandon Elms

A powerful storm during the summer of 2013 toppled or severely damaged many of the cottonwood trees that have sheltered our hilltop for decades. Plant Services, under the direction of Darren Bishop, recently completed the task of replacing all of the fallen or damaged trees with young Brandon Elms.  

Brandon Elms are very hardy shade trees that grow to 40 feet in height with a spread of 25 feet.  They grow quickly, but unlike Cottonwoods, are, if properly pruned and trained, strong enough to withstand most of the bad weather that strikes our hilltop. They have a life expectancy of 80 or more years.  

"While it is always sad to see a tree removed, I think it is meaningful that when the grandchildren of our current students attend CUC they will enjoy the shade and beauty of these young elms," said one professor.  "When they return for their 60th anniversary they can look up at the trees and tell their grandkids, 'I was here when they were planted!'"
  

Just prior to Homecoming Weekend, Plant Service workers removed the last
of the damaged Cottonwood trees.  The photo below shows the two young
Brandon Elms that now stand where two Cottonwood trees stood for decades.