Western Reserve Academy \\ 115 College Street \\ Hudson, Ohio 44236
Phone 330.650.9706 \\ Fax 330.650.9788 \\ burnerc@wra.net
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear WRA Community,
As a result of weather patterns and other issues, a number of our trees on campus are stressed or dying. I have received comments from troubled alumni, parents and friends of the WRA community and would like to take a moment to address those concerns.
The past two years have stressed many of our trees with high amounts of rain, frosts in late spring and now drought. Our Grounds Director, Curt VanBlarcum, a certified arborist, has been proactive with the management of the trees with assistance from specialists from The Ohio State University and Davey Tree Company.
This summer we removed 11 dead trees. Any of the trees removed will, of course, be replaced to sustain a mix of species and age group trees. We are also dead wood trimming or “crown cleaning” a number of trees on campus to strengthen them. The street and campus trees that are currently marked with yellow ribbons will be trimmed of dead wood within the next few weeks.
We appreciate your interest and concern about the beautiful foliage on our campus. It is never an easy decision to remove trees, but the conditions have been challenging. We are committed to preserving as many trees as possible, and are closely monitoring their health.
Sincerely,
Christopher D. Burner
Head of School
