A group of about 30 mature and dying trees at the U. of I. Arboretum will be removed in January.
About 100 of the Lombardy poplars were planted 20 years ago to protect the property’s Crimean lindens, which have a life expectancy of about 50 years. There are only about 30 poplars left, with four to eight dying annually.
William Kruidenier, the Arboretum director, said the remaining poplars have lasted well past their life expectancies.
“We could wait until each tree dies, but they are located at the front door of the Arboretum and are becoming an eyesore,” he said.
He said the Arboretum continues to flourish and change with smart landscape management practices. Since 2008, Arboretum staff members have planted an additional 529 trees and shrubs on the property.
“This is an opportunity to help explain the importance of renewing a landscape when plantings over-mature and begin to decline and die,” he said.
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