Purdue grounds department relocates 28 trees ahead of residence hall construction

Preparations have begun for the construction of a new residence hall south of Hillenbrand Hall. Thanks to the work of grounds department arborists, 27 trees located within the construction zone have been transplanted and relocated to Purdue’s Horticulture Park. An additional tree will be relocated to the park once work begins at the site in March.

Due to relatively mild winter weather, the grounds team was able to begin work starting in mid-January. Within Horticulture Park, the transplanted trees now line the asphalt walkway west of Todd’s Creek, “… a strategic move aimed at both enhancing the landscape and providing welcome shade for pedestrians,” says grounds director Phil Richey. This initiative not only assisted the residence hall project by mitigating tree removal costs, but also enriched the pedestrian experience within Horticultural Park.

Throughout this process, a total of 101 trees were preserved, including the 28 that have been relocated to the park. An additional 73 trees will be protected on site during construction. As construction progresses, the successful transplantation of these trees stands as a tangible testament to Administrative Operation’s dedication to maintaining the natural beauty of campus while accommodating the university’s evolving infrastructure needs.

The grounds department is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. The grounds department’s commitment to resourcefulness and environmental stewardship is just one of the many ways the organization powers Purdue.