Ice Storm Damages Campus Landscape
By Carolyn Treloar
Lemke Ledger Staff
The January ice storm significantly reduced the tree canopy on campus, a professor for the UA Horticulture Department said.
After a severe ice storm hit campus Jan. 26-28,
almost $900,000 was spent on the first phase of
cleaning up the debris. — Carolyn Treloar/Ledger
"It will take several years to recover the canopy of trees on campus," said Dr. Garry McDonald.
The worst ice storm since December 2000 started late Jan. 26 and lasted until Jan. 28. Nearly 350,000 people were left without power after about 2 inches of ice accumulated on trees and power lines in northern Arkansas.
Classes at the University of Arkansas were canceled for four days while debris was cleaned up.
No species was completely eliminated, but more than 260 trees had to be removed after the ice storm, said landscape supervisor Dean Painter. Four to six of the trees removed were more than 200 years old.
The severity of the damage typically depended on the health of the tree, McDonald said. If the tree had decay or termite damage, it was especially susceptible to damage.
McDonald collected data and surveyed the aftermath to determine which type of trees had the worst
damage. Results will help determine which trees would receive the least amount of damage during future ice storms, information helpful in coming up with future planting plans, McDonald said.
"The oaks are thought to be strong trees," McDonald said. "I'm really surprised they took the hit they did."
The alumni have fond memories of the tree canopy on campus and want see the trees when they come back for visits, McDonald said.
A major replanting of about 300 trees began at the end of March, Painter said. Grounds Maintenance employees were working nearly 24 hours a day for the first three weeks, he added. Nearly $900,000 was spent initially on cleaning debris left in the ice storm's wake.
More than 900 cubic yards of branches were collected and piled on Lot 56, McDonald said. It was used as mulch on campus and then offered to students and faculty.