Loaded onto flatbed trucks in groups of three, 24 Princeton elms traveled from Sunol, Calif., down the Grapevine on I-5, and arrived on the Scripps College campus in early morning to mark the first day of the College’s new academic year. “They look wonderful,” said Lola Trafecanty, director of grounds. “It will take some time for the canopy to be in full splendor, but look at the caliper on those trees—very strong and healthy!”
The trees had been contract-grown by Valley Crest Tree Company in Northern California the past three years, as the College agonized over the removal of the beloved Elms that had graced Elm Tree Lawn since 1938. The 70-year-old trees suffered from decay and were deemed an increasing safety risk. The College removed them following commencement this May and has since prepared the site with extensive reworking of the soil; underground infrastructure improvements for electrical and drainage improvements which is 90% complete. The updated irrigation systems will be installed once the trees are placed to promote deep rooting systems.
The new “Princeton” Elms, a heartier variety, are now about 26 feet in height and are expected to eventually not only replicate, but surpass the lushness of their predecessors. Before their planting the week of July 7, they remain in 60-inch boxes in a parking lot just south of Revelle House. The College director of grounds has ensured that the general contractor on the job is watering twice daily to combat the heat and radiating effects of being placed on asphalt. According to Trafecanty, once the trees are in the ground, the watering will be based on evapotranspiration conditions.
In selecting the trees for their permanent placement on Elm Tree Lawn, Trafecanty is checking for “the best of the best” for the east/west areas, where trees will be most visible. “We are looking for the best overall appearance on all sides and best shape,” says Trafecanty. “They all look very uniform so this should not be a difficult task. We will also be placing trees based on their trunk height.”
After the trees are planted, as well as new grass, the College has a 90-day maintenance contract and will create a perimeter around the trees to protect the new lawn and trees until maintenance is handed back to the Scripps Department of Grounds. Rather than schedule events on Elm Tree Lawn during that period, the College will have events around the perimeter and in other locations.
“We ask for the community’s assistance and patience for our new Elm tree grove,” says Trafecanty. “Patience, patience, patience for the growth of these trees—they will be here for a long time to come.”