Again, I'm no tree expert, but I can assure you that the Arborist was involved in selecting the trees that will go on the Quad when the renovations are complete. I assume that included knowing what the impact of their growth and spreading of their roots would have on the new pavers on the Quad (the pavers are placed on top of several inches of concrete, so that may be a factor also). But I will still ask if there is a way to add some "color" to the trees on the Quad. Thanks.
Quad Renovation
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Last: 8 yr ago by 2004FIGHTINTXAG
quote:Texas Shade Trees?
Again, I'm no tree expert, but I can assure you that the Arborist was involved in selecting the trees that will go on the Quad when the renovations are complete. I assume that included knowing what the impact of their growth and spreading of their roots would have on the new pavers on the Quad (the pavers are placed on top of several inches of concrete, so that may be a factor also). But I will still ask if there is a way to add some "color" to the trees on the Quad. Thanks.
just stick with the Live oak, it is a proven tree to be adaptable to campus soil type and climate, plus it keeps leaves during the fall, providing shade during the warm to hot months of August-September-October and sometimes November.
In 50 years the quad will resemble the main campus, specifically military walk, regarding maturity and canopy coverage of the walkways
In 50 years the quad will resemble the main campus, specifically military walk, regarding maturity and canopy coverage of the walkways
Chinese Pistache, Sweet Gum (only get males), and a Red Oak are your best chance for some color in the BCS area. They provide great shade and they are strong trees.
Here is a sweet gum in the fall. It would be cool to have a little maroon around the quad during football season.
I can see why most landscapers use Live Oaks. It is not only a fast growing native but it also last forever. They keep their leave for most of the year as well. The only problem with them is Oak Wilt and unfortunately A&M has been very affected by that. So I would hope the Arborist would see the value of mixing in other types of trees so we don't lose the whole Quad if Oak Wilt strikes.
Good work on the renovation, sir. I can't wait to see it in the fall!
Here is a sweet gum in the fall. It would be cool to have a little maroon around the quad during football season.
I can see why most landscapers use Live Oaks. It is not only a fast growing native but it also last forever. They keep their leave for most of the year as well. The only problem with them is Oak Wilt and unfortunately A&M has been very affected by that. So I would hope the Arborist would see the value of mixing in other types of trees so we don't lose the whole Quad if Oak Wilt strikes.
Good work on the renovation, sir. I can't wait to see it in the fall!
quote:Oak wilt is overhyped; the prominent professor dealing with Oak Wilt resides at A&M (Dave Appel); it takes old mature live oaks to be affected by oak wilt; and the planting of red oaks in the area is funny to me because red oaks are the carrier trees for the oak wilt fungal mats.
So I would hope the Arborist would see the value of mixing in other types of trees so we don't lose the whole Quad if Oak Wilt strikes.
quote:If that is true, why does it seems half the trees on campus are dying, even many of the small ones? Are they dying of something else? I know the drought was hard but most of the main campus is irrigated. And I know red oaks are extremely susceptible to Oak Wilt. I was just saying the red oak is a suitable tree if you wanted fall color on campus.quote:Oak wilt is overhyped; the prominent professor dealing with Oak Wilt resides at A&M (Dave Appel); it takes old mature live oaks to be affected by oak wilt; and the planting of red oaks in the area is funny to me because red oaks are the carrier trees for the oak wilt fungal mats.
So I would hope the Arborist would see the value of mixing in other types of trees so we don't lose the whole Quad if Oak Wilt strikes.
I understand the value of live oaks, but I don't understand why anyone would want to create a single species environment. It's not ideal for landscaping. We saw some cities lose almost all their public trees after Dutch Elm disease struck.
quote:
If that is true, why does it seems half the trees on campus are dying, even many of the small ones? Are they dying of something else? I know the drought was hard but most of the main campus is irrigated. And I know red oaks are extremely susceptible to Oak Wilt. I was just saying the red oak is a suitable tree if you wanted fall color on campus.
I haven't spent a lot of time on campus since 1987 but I would guess that trees that are dying on campus are older, weaker trees with root systems being covered with sidewalks or roads.
There are other fall color species that could be used other than red oaks, such as maples, which could be used as accent trees around the dorms, etc
quote:
I understand the value of live oaks, but I don't understand why anyone would want to create a single species environment. It's not ideal for landscaping
Since the live oak does so well on the A&M campus, and it has a long lifespan as well as canopy coverage for shade over the new walkways, it is the best choice.
quote:Are you from the Northeast? Dutch Elm disease and Oak wilt are similar because they are a fungus carried by beetles and the tree develops "blockage of the arteries" if you will, preventing water flow up and down the tree.
We saw some cities lose almost all their public trees after Dutch Elm disease struck.
Yeah, I didn't suggest maples because there aren't many native ones and the ones that are favor deep east Texas. Big tooths are a great tree, but they are smaller and don't range as far east as BCS. But you're right, you can find some maples for accent trees that would work well.
And while I did live in the NE for ten years, the damage caused by Dutch elm to the American landscape is well documented.
I agree, there is a reason live oaks are used so often. Like I said, they are great trees and symbolic of Texas in a lot of ways (one the seal). I just think variety on campus has value.
And while I did live in the NE for ten years, the damage caused by Dutch elm to the American landscape is well documented.
I agree, there is a reason live oaks are used so often. Like I said, they are great trees and symbolic of Texas in a lot of ways (one the seal). I just think variety on campus has value.
one thing that I regret about my time @ A&M is that I didn't pursue a degree in landscape architecture to compliment my degree in forestry and enhance landscaping in the quad area
Did I stumble into the tree forum by accident.
quote:I've put a call into a professor I know to discuss tree health on campus
Yeah, I didn't suggest maples because there aren't many native ones and the ones that are favor deep east Texas. Big tooths are a great tree, but they are smaller and don't range as far east as BCS. But you're right, you can find some maples for accent trees that would work well.
And while I did live in the NE for ten years, the damage caused by Dutch elm to the American landscape is well documented.
I agree, there is a reason live oaks are used so often. Like I said, they are great trees and symbolic of Texas in a lot of ways (one the seal). I just think variety on campus has value.
quote:Grass does not grow well under Red Oak or Live Oak if other trees or buildings are close by. They do not allow much sun light under them and are always trying to shade their roots.
Chinese Pistache, Sweet Gum (only get males), and a Red Oak are your best chance for some color in the BCS area. They provide great shade and they are strong trees.
Here is a sweet gum in the fall. It would be cool to have a little maroon around the quad during football season.
I can see why most landscapers use Live Oaks. It is not only a fast growing native but it also last forever. They keep their leave for most of the year as well. The only problem with them is Oak Wilt and unfortunately A&M has been very affected by that. So I would hope the Arborist would see the value of mixing in other types of trees so we don't lose the whole Quad if Oak Wilt strikes.
Good work on the renovation, sir. I can't wait to see it in the fall!
quote:Are our weekly photo updates are still on, sir? I know this has been a busy time, but.......
740A - I will see to it that we post updated photos on this site from now on. I get an update on the renovations every week, complete with photos, and will ensure we post them on this site as well. Thanks for the recommendation.
I am leading a Corps Excursion to Israel tomorrow, but will have someone post recent pics of the renovations this week. Thanks for the reminder!
quote:Thanks.....
I am leading a Corps Excursion to Israel tomorrow, but will have someone post recent pics of the renovations this week. Thanks for the reminder!
Corps Renovation Phase I update (Saturday 5/21) - really going to be fantastic when this all wraps up.
There will be a Starbucks in this new building (rendering below)
These new corner entrances to the Quad are supposed to have a 'light tower' feature at night. Should look great when it's all said and done (rendering below)
LLC 3 between Spence and Briggs, by the Commons dorms
Trees on site now!
There will be a Starbucks in this new building (rendering below)
These new corner entrances to the Quad are supposed to have a 'light tower' feature at night. Should look great when it's all said and done (rendering below)
LLC 3 between Spence and Briggs, by the Commons dorms
Trees on site now!
Already looks awesome!! Excited for it to be finished up. Thanks for posting Fitch
Hope everyone is happy with the trees. They look great
Some photos from a previous visit
Newly renovated areas
The "elephant ears" are starting to have pavers laid
Some renderings of the eventual site
New bugle stand layout
General Hollingsworth statue and granite stars will be relocated to the head of the Quad
New seating area overlooking the Practice Field
Newly renovated areas
The "elephant ears" are starting to have pavers laid
Some renderings of the eventual site
New bugle stand layout
General Hollingsworth statue and granite stars will be relocated to the head of the Quad
New seating area overlooking the Practice Field
Fitch--did you post these photos for the Commandant or on your own? Terrific starter trees!
I was in town yesterday welcoming my cousin into the fold - he's enrolling in August.
After the rain cleared out I walked around campus and got some photos for the "Campus Construction" thread I maintain on Premium and Imnew0206 recommended I post'em here too.
After the rain cleared out I walked around campus and got some photos for the "Campus Construction" thread I maintain on Premium and Imnew0206 recommended I post'em here too.
Thanks! I asked because the Commandant has promised to have someone post his weekly update photos here, too....
One thing the renderings don't show -- the Spanish-American War memorial granite wall on the south side of the Sanders Museum and the WW1 memorial at the west side of Simpson have been relocated to the entrance to the Quad, opposite the flag poles.
They fit much better there than scattered around campus, and I think help "balance" the flags on the other side of the plaza.
They fit much better there than scattered around campus, and I think help "balance" the flags on the other side of the plaza.
I'm of two minds about gathering the memorials. Some of them were in low traffic areas, so it's good that cadets can see them. On the other hand, it's good to have them all over campus to remind all Aggies from whence we came. And I always think it sucks when someone puts up a memorial, only to have a later generation modify it.
......much like, to my mind at least, the push to no longer conduct Final Review and other Corps reviews at Simpson, which is the thin edge of the wedge for the drill field losing its status as a war memorial and becoming just another campus play-field. I don't disagree in principle with consolidating some memorials at the entrance to the Quad, but do I share your concern that too much consolidation might turn war memorials honoring former students into just a Corps thing rather than an Aggie thing.
You make a good point about having them all around campus. In this case though I think the relocation will boost the visibility of the monuments--
The Spanish-American War memorial was hard to access as it was previously on a median between two high-speed streets (Coke & Throckmorton) and the WWI memorial was similarly hard to get to on the corner of Simpson Drill Field ever since the new underpass at the bell tower was completed.
The Spanish-American War memorial was hard to access as it was previously on a median between two high-speed streets (Coke & Throckmorton) and the WWI memorial was similarly hard to get to on the corner of Simpson Drill Field ever since the new underpass at the bell tower was completed.
Again, don't disagree in principle with smart relocations, but as Simpson itself is part-and-parcel of the WWI memorial, I suggest it would have been more appropriate to relocate that particular marker somewhere on/near the drill field to remind all passing Ags why the field is revered....
I have no idea who Fitch is, but what he posted is pretty much what I would have had my guys post. Some great photos here, as well as the renderings of what the completed project will look like. Notice that trees are now going in as well! Its going to look great once its completed!
I made the decision to move the memorials to the Plaza entering the Quad. After being gone for 31 years, I found when I returned that NOBODY knew where ANY of the memorials were on campus - memorials dedicated to Aggies - former Corps members - who died in service to our country. It was sad to see that most students AND faculty had no idea where any of the memorials were. I made the decision to move them to provide visibility to them, and to put them where they can be seen by all members of the Corps, their families, and now more students as this area becomes more heavily trafficked by students going to and from the Commons, the new LLCs, the Starbucks, the bus stop, the Quad, etc. I believe it'll make a big difference in giving visibility to a very important aspect of our university's history and legacy.
Will post more pics as this renovation continues. North side of the Quad will be complete by August, and the Corps will once again step-off from the Quad this season. Can't wait till school starts! BTHO UCLA!!
I made the decision to move the memorials to the Plaza entering the Quad. After being gone for 31 years, I found when I returned that NOBODY knew where ANY of the memorials were on campus - memorials dedicated to Aggies - former Corps members - who died in service to our country. It was sad to see that most students AND faculty had no idea where any of the memorials were. I made the decision to move them to provide visibility to them, and to put them where they can be seen by all members of the Corps, their families, and now more students as this area becomes more heavily trafficked by students going to and from the Commons, the new LLCs, the Starbucks, the bus stop, the Quad, etc. I believe it'll make a big difference in giving visibility to a very important aspect of our university's history and legacy.
Will post more pics as this renovation continues. North side of the Quad will be complete by August, and the Corps will once again step-off from the Quad this season. Can't wait till school starts! BTHO UCLA!!
Am I correct in recalling you mentioning that all the southside landscaping and trees will be completed by this August too, leaving primarily just the Phase II dorms in-work?
Joe,
We can be sad about progress and still respect your decision.
DB
We can be sad about progress and still respect your decision.
DB
Just explaining my decision, CanyonAg. Its never easy to make those kinds of decisions, but those memorials have been moved before, and still nobody knew where they were. My hope is that they will now, and thats good enough for me.
740A - the NORTH side of the Quad will be complete in August - dorms 1 - 8, and the interior of the Quad between those dorms. All 8 dorms renovated, 4 LLCs complete, all new paving, all new lighting and benches, and of course, all new trees. The remainder of the Quad - dorms 9 - 12 - will be complete NEXT August, thus the entire Quad will be done in Aug 2017. Its going to look great, starting this Fall when the Corps steps off from the newly renovated north end of the Quad for football games. And BTW - Final Review, Parents Weekend Review, SCONA Review, and at least one football game review are going to be conducted at Simpson Drill Field, just as they have for the past 3 years, and were for decades previously.
740A - the NORTH side of the Quad will be complete in August - dorms 1 - 8, and the interior of the Quad between those dorms. All 8 dorms renovated, 4 LLCs complete, all new paving, all new lighting and benches, and of course, all new trees. The remainder of the Quad - dorms 9 - 12 - will be complete NEXT August, thus the entire Quad will be done in Aug 2017. Its going to look great, starting this Fall when the Corps steps off from the newly renovated north end of the Quad for football games. And BTW - Final Review, Parents Weekend Review, SCONA Review, and at least one football game review are going to be conducted at Simpson Drill Field, just as they have for the past 3 years, and were for decades previously.
As long as you don't move Tip's Tomb.
A beautiful giant flag pole was put in place today right in the center of the Quad. About 10 of the new huge cathedral oak trees are already planted down he N/S axis of the quad. They are huge for newly planted trees. I believe there will be a total of 40+ trees down this axis plus about 3-4 medium size trees in front of each dorm and 8 trees around each of the 2 "elephant ears" as they call them now.
Also, the steel structure started going up today for the new PMC Headquarters out at the Green. New Student Conferences start this week to usher in the Class of 2020!
Also, the steel structure started going up today for the new PMC Headquarters out at the Green. New Student Conferences start this week to usher in the Class of 2020!
quote:These are Southern Live Oaks and are in 600 gallon containers.
About 10 of the new huge cathedral oak trees are already planted down he N/S axis of the quad. They are huge for newly planted trees.
I've been in contact with the Facilities manager and we have discussed the project and he has explained that the tree planting project is 125% caliper from the pre-construction quad.
quote:Translation?quote:These are Southern Live Oaks and are in 600 gallon containers.
About 10 of the new huge cathedral oak trees are already planted down he N/S axis of the quad. They are huge for newly planted trees.
I've been in contact with the Facilities manager and we have discussed the project and he has explained that the tree planting project is 125% caliper from the pre-construction quad.
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