The Landscape Services crew provide an aesthetically pleasing landscape conducive to learning and leisure. The Facilities Services landscaping team provides basic services on campus, and supplemental services are available at a charge to campus customers.
Landscape Services provide a variety of outdoor maintenance services, though primary duties include litter collection, hard surface cleaning 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 participate in many activities that contribute to environmental sustainability, including:
- Maintaining a native plants garden at the corner of 58th Street and Woodlawn Avenue
- Working with local vendors to purchase mulch from recycled trees
- Replacing synthetic fertilizer with compost and compost teas to improve water quality
- Utilizing Integrated Pest Management, an environmentally sensitive approach to pest control with minimal pesticides
- Composting 95 percent of our green waste (leaves and grass)
- Limiting use of leaf blowers, and meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for emissions
- Implementing greener equipment to reduce gas-powered motors on campus
- Inventorying and mapping all campus trees
The following services are provided by Landscape Services
Turf Mowing, Edging, Trimming, Overseeding, Aerification, Reseeding, Sodding, Fertilization
Mowing is performed on the same scheduled service day each week, excluding holidays and during inclement weather.
Tree Pruning and Maintenance
Tree pruning is performed with the intent of developing structurally sound trees with a symmetrical appearance typical of the species. Tree pruning also incorporates proper safety clearance and access. 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.
Groundcover and Vine Maintenance
Groundcover is kept free of weeds, litter, debris, and leaves. Ground cover is pruned up to four times a year to be maintained at an even level and consistent height.
Pest Control and Weed Abatement
Landscape Services use 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 methods.
Hardscape Cleaning, Including all Walks and Recreational Courts
All hardscape including stepping-stones and decomposed granite walks are inspected regularly and maintained in a neat, clean and safe condition during normal maintenance. 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.
Irrigation Maintenance and Repairs
All landscaped and turf areas are irrigated to maintain adequate growth, health and appearance, regardless of plant types or soil condition. Water is regulated to avoid excessively wet or waterlogged areas detrimental to plant health and to prevent excessive water run-off.
Litter/ Trash Cleanup and Graffiti Removal
Complete policing and litter pick-up for the removal of paper, glass, trash, limbs.
Additional landscaping or grounds needs outside of these regularly-performed services can be requested by submitting a Service Request for assistance.