University Times

In the upcoming weeks, some trees on the Cathedral of Learning lawn and in front of Trees Hall will get a pruning.

The Office of Facilities Management has contracted with Davey Tree Co. for the selective trimming of the larger trees in these areas. The work will include removing structurally unsound limbs and a small number of diseased trees, which will be replaced. Some tree canopies will be thinned to allow light to penetrate and air to circulate.

The project will be overseen by Paul Minor, Facilities Management landscape architect, in consultation with Walt Carson, Pitt Arts and Sciences faculty member and forest ecologist.

As part of a larger effort to beautify Pittsburgh campus outdoor spaces, Facilities Management employed the firm of VanYahres Associates, which evaluated the condition of the trees. VanYahres also is expected to issue a report in January recommending improvements to the campus's green spaces, according to University architect Park Rankin. That report will be reviewed by the administration and appropriate University Senate committees, Rankin said.