Since the University of Kentucky was founded in 1865, our campus landscape has been an important part of who we are and how our community engages with the campus. This year, UK received its 15th consecutive Tree Campus Higher Education recognition in honor of high levels of attention in the care of our campus canopy.
“From having a tree care plan to dedicated expenditures on our campus trees, these continual measures keep us on track for the award,” said Nic Williamson, arboriculture superintendent. “To qualify, we annually report on things like economic and campus community engagement efforts toward tree care, included in the Arbor Day Foundations standards.”
The arboriculture team in UK Grounds consists of four full-time staff members, all certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), showcasing a high level of knowledge and skill in the care of more than 12,000trees on campus.
“It is incredibly important to make sure that we are caring for our trees in the best way possible according to the latest science and best management practices,” Williamson said. “Our involvement with the ISA allows us to share notes on threats such as insect-borne diseases with local and international networks.”
This year, the team’s tree care plan will include treating 130 ash trees for emerald ash borer. To keep the campus trees healthy, this occurs every few years. Consistency of care is integral for UK’s long standing as a Tree Campus in higher education.
“Trees and woody plants will grow as long as there is favorable soil,” Williamson said. “Sustaining plants on campus requires long timelines. Having a team dedicated to trees allows us to see the plants year-round and gives us the opportunity to follow up and follow through with their care.”
Much like the trees, the campus has transformed and grown through many phases of construction in the past 15 years of certification.
“In the decade I have been with UK, we have steadily increased the support and organization we dedicate to our campus trees,” Williamson said. “We are like a city within a city. We’re growing and building just as fast as the city around us. The collaboration of different units on tree preservation and wood salvage is critical to continue to think through each construction project and into the future.”
A key part of campus tree care is collaborating with many different units and stakeholders at a growing university.
“This being our 15th year of recognition is very cool. The collaborations that we do through this program are recognized as unique and meaningful in terms of investment in our trees and our community,” Williamson said. “It takes a village and our work with multiple departments and faculty is integral. Being recognized as a tree campus by the Arbor Day Foundation for 15 consecutive years gives us the opportunity to look back on all the care we do and appreciate our campus trees.”
Nic Williamson, arboriculture superintendent, taught students how to plant trees at a Plant for the Planet event on Alumni Drive.
Jennifer T. Allen
Kyle Youngs, lead arborist for UK Grounds, climbs a silver maple. All UK Grounds arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) program, showcasing a high level of knowledge and skill in the care of more than 12,000 trees on campus.
Left to right: Kyle Youngs, lead arborist, Dustin Hodges, arborist, Chuck Morrison, arborist, and Nic Williamson, arboriculture superintendent.