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introduction
purpose and goals
The mature tree canopy that exists throughout campus reinforces the history and longevity of the institution. Prior to the University developing the Bristol campus, in the late 1960’s, many of the oldest and largest existing trees were part of the Ferrycliffe Farm. These trees were primarily, linden, horsechestnut, various oaks, black tupelo, and eastern red cedar’s. Many of these large trees help define the legacy and character of the campus today.
campus tree planting concept The existing tree canopy signifies an accumulative investment in time and dollars, and is a real asset to the campus landscape. These trees unite the campus vocabulary, reinforce outdoor spaces, provide shade, and convey a unique sense of place. New tree plantings shall be of appropriate type and planted in the proper locations to ensure they reinforce the existing tree canopy, and avoid conflicts with utilities or important views.
Guidelines for future campus plantings: • Plant long-lived, native (when appropriate) trees that will provide interest, diversity, and preserve or enhance the overall campus character. • Select proper tree species, and strive to follow planting details. • Deciduous trees should be informally placed, yet carefully located to frame desired views and reinforce outdoor spaces. • Utilize understory ornamental trees sparingly as gateway accents and building entries. Introduce unique or ornamental species within quadrangles/special places. This will add distinct character to these spaces.
Over the years, as the campus continued to grow and develop, another generation of trees were planted to help provide shade, line drives, and define quadrangles. The majority of those tree species were sycamore, maple, honeylocust, zelkova and dawn redwood. The more recent tree plantings were selected to enhance the existing tree canopy, increase the plant diversity, define new spaces, and direct significant views. Some of these species include: elm, tulip poplar, beech, Carolina silverbell, katsuratree, and multiple oak varieties. The guidelines in this Campus Tree Planning are intended to build on this momentum, and think about the campus holistically verses on a building-by-building basis. We anticipate these ideas will improve the overall campus aesthetic by enhancing and preserving the landscape. The process by which these recommendations were established began with an inventory and analysis of campus viewsheds, existing trees, potential future buildings and outdoor event spaces.
This Campus Tree Planning was developed to primarily: • Improve ‘First Impressions’ • Encourage educational and fundraising opportunities • Identify significant existing trees, special sites and view corridors • Plant long-lived, native (when appropriate) trees that will provide interest, diversity, and preserve or enhance the overall campus character
Admission building, from quad, framed by deciduous trees.
• Define proper tree species selection and planting recommendations that will establish and reinforce outdoor spaces and views
CAMPUS TREE PLANNING
CAMPUS TREE PLANNING
Residence hall planting where gathering spaces and circulation are reinforced by the tree planting.