Landcape Work Begins

A substantial amount of landscape work was completed this week. While this will begin to give the site a more finished look, please understand that the entire landscape design will not be implemented until next Spring.

A few of the new trees that will ring the new west parking area have been planted. This improves the sight lines for our neighbors to the west and the view from Maple Road.

Trees and shrubs around the new main entrance and the west gym wall have been planted. Other plantings (perennials and other plants) will follow.

Work on the east side of the church, including both the Westmaple wing and the Chapel have also received their initial plantings. The east wall of Westmaple has additional "butterfly" trees and plantings that will follow.Two diseased maple trees in front of the Chapel have been marked for removal. In the picture below you can see the "killer" fungus that has overtaken the tree.

Tree Removal and Landscape Plan

You will notice this week that trees have been removed from the area between the west parking lot and the front circle drive. This was necessary to install a new underground storm water detention basin underneath the new parking lot spaces that will adjoin the west parking lot.

But please be assured that for every tree that has been removed, we will be replanting (this fall) in almost a two to one ratio, that is, planting almost two trees for every tree that had to be removed. Both maple trees and spruce trees will ring the new parking area, for the benefit of neighbors to the west, those who pass by on Maple Road and for the general beautification of the Redeemer grounds.

Likewise, the sycamore tree out behind Westmaple was removed this week. It too will be replaced. Interestingly, in almost the exact same location. The foundation work for the new classroom near the base of the tree would have disturbed the root system to such a degree that the tree would no longer thrive. Planting a new tree with it's root system intact, in nearly the same location, is a better, longer lasting solution.

As soon as the hot summer weather passes, we'll be replanting in the fall, not only these trees, but other landscaping around the new main entrance and other areas impacted by construction. In the mean time, lawn repair in the front circle drive will begin over the next few days.

Thanks to Jim Eppink at J Eppink Partners for providing such a complete landscape plan.