As part of Colgate’s continuous effort to steward the campus and maintain the University’s distinctive landscape, several willow trees will be removed from Willow Path the week of Jan. 15.
Colgate’s campus arborist has helped to determine which trees to remove based on failing health and safety hazard concerns.
The coral bark willows that line Willow Path were planted between 1989 and 1991 and have an expected lifespan of 40 years. Colgate follows a tree-care program to care for the willows — including rejuvenation pruning, structural cabling, and soil testing and treatment to extend the lifespan of the trees while also making strategic replacements as they become necessary.
Matching replacement trees will be planted this spring. The tree removals may seem alarming given the size of the trees and the gaps that will remain along the pathway until the new trees can be planted and grow to maturity, but this is part of Colgate’s commitment to restoring and maintaining this important landmark for generations to come.
Read Colgate Magazine to find out more about the University’s efforts to maintain its historic allées.