Chestnut tree a health concern

Posted by admin on Nov 10, 2010 in News | 0 comments

Possible health concerns have been raised over the evidence that areas of rot are beginning to appear on two branches of a chestnut tree on campus. One of these branches extends above the roof of Seal Kap.

The issue stems from the possibility of a violent windstorm or something of that nature occurring, that may cause the tree branch, weakened from the rot, to break off and fall, which could potentially damage the building and hurt people inside.

Since this is a very rare species of tree, an American Chestnut, an arborist was brought in to assess the health of the tree. A report was issued stating the tree was growing in a healthy manner and did not need to be cut down. The branches themselves were not rotting; there was simply evidence of

rot on them.

The suggestion was that to avoid risk, the best option would be to insert a cable attaching the branch above Seal Kap with another branch so that if something did happen, the branch would be pulled away from the building.

A few of the on-campus committees involved in this issue include the Environmental Stewardship committee, Facility Services, and the Campus Planning committee. These groups are in agreement that the best option is to follow the arborist’s report and insert the cable. Doing something like this would cost the same amount, if not less than having the tree cut down.

“It is great that we have the Ecological Stewardship Committee to discuss matters of tree removal,” said Justin Baerg, member of the committee and president of the biology club. “On one side, there are times when a single tree needs to be cut down for safety purposes, legitimate building permits, and even the future of our campus. But the American Chestnut did not fall under any of these conditions. As far as I know, the risk that the tree poses is not great enough to warrant a felling. We must mitigate changes on this campus so that needless cuttings and destruction do not take precedence over the beauty and aesthetics of this university.”

The other side of this argument lies on the importance and efficiency of extinguishing risks completely. Although inserting the cable greatly decreases any problems that may occur, it is not a guarantee. Completely cutting down the tree would be the only option that fully

depletes risk.

This type of tree is found mainly in northeastern parts of North America, although most have died off from a disease called chestnut blight, thus making the tree here at Trinity Western University rare and special.

An old photo from TWU’s archives shows the tree standing during the 1950’s. At that time it was approximately 15 to 20 years old. Now, 60 years later, this tree could very well be 80 years old. This is still relatively young for this species of tree, which usually lives up

to 200 years.

“Because of the age and species, it has a heritage value not only for Trinity but the township of Langley,” said Geography Professor David Jordan, who is also a member of the Ecological Stewardship committee.

The final decision of the tree’s fate is left in the hands of the university’s senior administration.

If this is an issue that appeals to you, there are many ways to get involved by contacting the Campus Planning committee or Ecological Stewardship committee.