Weill Trees in CU Soil
Sustainable Landscapes Trail at Cornell University
In 2005, Weill Hall was constructed across from the Biotechnology Building, creating space for a plaza. The design of the plaza called for two rows of trees in a semi-hard stone dust surface. Stone dust is compacted to meet load- bearing specifications. Often when this happens, soil underneath the pavement is too compacted for roots to grow. CU Soil™ was created at Cornell University to allow trees to grow in paved environments with required compaction yet still support healthy root growth.
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Why is this site sustainable?
- Soil modification (use of CU Soil™) under compacted stone dust promotes root growth.
- Tree species were selected for low maintenance needs and adaptation to a challenging hot microclimate with no irrigation.
- The site creates a place for people to gather in shaded conditions
For more information visit: CU-Structural Soil™
Goldenrain Trees (Koelreuteria paniculata) and Silver Lindens (Tilia tomentosa) were chosen for this site because of their adaptation to site conditions, drought tolerance, disease resistance and upright form.