The Landscape Services crew provides an aesthetically pleasing landscape conducive to learning and leisure. The landscaping team provides basic services on campus, and supplemental services are available at a charge to campus customers.
Landscape Services provides a variety of outdoor maintenance services, though primary duties include litter collection, hard surface cleaning (power washing provided by the Paint/Decorator shop), and general garden maintenance. In addition, Landscape Services supports integrated pest management, minor irrigation repairs, and maintenance, as well as small landscape design, construction, and planting projects. Landscape Services also provides trash containers and clean-up services for special events.
Landscape Services participates in many activities that contribute to environmental sustainability, including:
- Maintaining native plant gardens. (i.e the Bioswale at the general campus as a botanic garden)
- Working with local vendors to purchase mulch from recycled trees
- Replacing synthetic fertilizer with compost and compost teas to improve water quality, when possible
- Utilizing Integrated Pest Management, an environmentally sensitive approach to pest control with minimal pesticides
- Composting 95 percent of our green waste (leaves and grass) and mulching removed trees
- Limiting the use of leaf blowers and meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for emissions
- Implementing battery-powered equipment to reduce gas motors on campus
- Inventorying, mapping, and caring for all campus trees
The following services are provided by Landscape Services:
Turf Mowing, Edging, Trimming, Overseeding, Aerification, Reseeding, Sodding, Fertilization
Mowing is performed on a weekly basis, excluding holidays and during inclement weather. The schedule may change due to staff availability.
Tree Pruning and Maintenance
Tree pruning is performed with the intent of developing structurally sound, healthy trees with a symmetrical appearance typical of the species. Tree pruning also incorporates proper safety clearance and access. Ideal times for tree and root pruning are November-February. For questions about identifying specific trees or planting memorial trees on campus, see our Functional Directory.
Shrub Pruning and Maintenance
Shrubs are kept in a healthy, vigorous condition, free from disease and large concentrations of pests. Shrubs are pruned with hand shears as needed to provide an informal shape, fullness, and blooms.
Pest Control and Weed Abatement
Landscape Services uses Integrated Pest Management, an environmentally sensitive approach to pest control with minimal use of pesticides to control insects, diseases, and weeds on and around perennials, ground covers, shrubs, vines, and trees. This includes frequent monitoring and spot treatment using the least-toxic, site- and plant-specific methods.
Hardscape Cleaning, Including all Walks and Recreational Courts
All hardscapes including stepping-stones and decomposed granite walks are inspected regularly and maintained in a neat, clean, and safe condition during normal maintenance. (Power washing provided by the Paint/Decorator shop.) Hard surface areas are inspected for uplifts and/or tripping hazards. Identified uplifts and/or tripping hazards are barricaded or caution taped off immediately until repairs are made.
Additional landscaping or grounds needs outside of these regularly performed services can be requested by submitting a Service Request for assistance.