Mason’s Mortarboard

Over the last few weeks, Mason’s Facilities Management office devised and implemented a plan to save 17 mature trees that were growing in future construction sites. Rather than being cut down, nearly all of the trees were relocated to other areas on campus.

Most of the trees were located next to the Performing Arts Building, which will soon undergo an extensive addition. In addition to the 17 relocated trees, another seven were saved from removal after alterations were made to the design plans. Many of the trees were moved to areas surrounding the new on-campus housing developments, while others can now be seen outside the Patriot Center, Enterprise Hall and Research I.

With so much building taking place at Mason, portions of the campus’ original foliage have had to be removed to allow for construction. Generally, landscaping budgets only include enough money to purchase young trees that can take decades to develop.

Most of the trees cost an average of approximately $1,000 to remove and replant. To purchase a tree similar in size and age would cost upwards of $20,000.

Clearing the trees is the first step as developers begin construction on the addition to the Performing Arts Building. The project will add dance and orchestra practice spaces, larger performance halls and even a training room for performers. The building will also feature a grand entrance facing the George Mason Boulevard circle.