Fifteen years ago, my husband and I were building our home on Richland Chambers Lake. We spent a lot of time figuring out exactly where the house should go on our two acres. We thought about how it would look from the street, which windows would receive direct sunlight, what views could be seen from which rooms. But the most important decision to me was which trees to keep. We had just moved from Wyoming where trees were scarce. And being from the South, I was yearning for trees!

One particular tree was located just beyond the back of the house. It was straight, beautifully shaped and would provide great shade on hot summer evenings. I threatened every contractor on the premises within an inch of their life if they did anything to jeopardize the health of that tree.

Over the years, that tree has gotten much taller, much wider, provided great shade to the deck, and since it is so close to the house, will become a foundation issue. I didn’t consider that when I fought to keep it.

I’m sure many of you have experienced similar issues with trees and other foliage planted close to your homes. What was a great idea when those plantings were new, becomes not so good as they grow.

Our campuses are no different. We have beautiful, established trees that provide shade, homes for wildlife and an esthetic that we love. But some of these trees are becoming safety hazards not only for our buildings, but also for our people. Root systems are causing damage to building foundations, uplifting sidewalks, and dropping branches (some of them are large) where people often walk.

Outside my office is a beautiful old oak tree. I have admired it since I arrived two years ago. However, this tree has many dead branches and is beginning to split at the trunk. Its roots have uplifted the sidewalk making it a safety hazard, and every time a storm comes through, I worry that it may come through my window at some point.

After speaking with Dr. Marcus McArthur, Vice President of Operations and Dr. Jason Morrison, TVCC President, I realized that they love the trees too, but they love our people more. So, the decision has been made to remove the trees along the length of the Liberal Arts building between it and the Math/Journalism building.

“After exploring every alternative with licensed professionals,” McArthur said, “we came to the reluctant conclusion that removal of some of our trees is necessary to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, staff, guests, and buildings.”

Morrison added that, “it is my job to make sure we are good stewards of our college assets and protect them for future generations. That includes protecting our students, faculty, staff, guests, and our facilities.”

Plans are to plant additional trees along the creek which runs through the Athens campus.

As for my backyard oasis, I have already begun to plan for the day when that tree will need to be removed for the protection of my family as well as our property. It’s a tough decision for sure, but one that will be necessary. I have already decided where I will plant the new tree.