Tree removal makes SSU question its roots

ALLY VALIENTE STAFF WRITER

Whenstudents drive down East Cotati Ave. at the entrance to Sonoma State, the first thing they’ll notice are the redwood trees lined up along the street.

The SSU Facilities Management have teamed up with a local arborist and identified several trees that required removal from campus.

The project included the removal of eucalyptus trees, located along the west side of campus, and the property line shared with Rancho Cotate High School. A redwood tree at the northeast corner of Stevenson Hall is also expected to be removed within the next several months due to its rapid decline.

Because of their rapid decline, these trees were identified as reaching an end of life cycle and posed a risk to the campus community. The other larger trees that are plus 40’ in height are typically contracted out.

“As sad as it is that they’re gonna be cutting out trees, if it poses a safety risk to students it’s better to be safe,” said first year business major Alan Hebert. “I just hope they don’t cut too many of them down.”

In a statement released to the university, As-

This is not the first time that SSU has conducted tree removal on campus.

Back in 2019 during winter break, Facilities Management removed trees with heavy foliage – or ones that raised concern for a safety risk –and planted trees in its replacement in a program called “One for One.”

According to the SSU Newsletter, this meant that for every tree removed, a new one would be planted in that same area or in another spot around campus.

“We recently hired a new Tree Care Worker II, Greg McDivitt, as a permanent full time position and he’s doing a great job in getting our trees pruned up in support of optimal tree health. We’re very thankful for all of his hard work and dedication,” Twedell said. “Our campus Landscape Manager, Troy McArdle, works with a local Ar see PROJECT on pg. 4