Cultivating Sustainability
In late October, a crew of arborists and tree maintenance professionals from J. & D. Tree Pros arrived at the northeast corner of Glen Lennox. It’s here that construction is slated to begin on the property’s first new structures in 68 years, including a clubhouse with pool and Link Apartments® Linden.
Grubb Properties asked the experienced local tree firm to play a key role in the first phase of the redevelopment of Glen Lennox, one that will see the addition of 157 trees representing 18 species, along with 1,000 shrubs and nearly 400 flowering annuals and perennials. Phases Two and Three will add 200 additional trees, 1,400 shrubs and 400-plus flowering plants.
It’s all part of a deliberate, long-range approach to responsible urban forestry management at Glen Lennox, one that takes a holistic view of the property’s 70 acres over the coming decades. Each tree on the property appears on a detailed map which notes its species, age, condition and GPS coordinates, and when a tree is felled from damage, age, or for construction, a plan is already in place for plantings of specific species to sustain the property’s tree canopy. Plantings are calculated to account for natural tree loss from storm damage and disease, ensuring the tree population will continue to grow for generations.
J. & D. Tree Pros, headquartered in Apex, specializes in high-risk tree maintenance and removal. A 90-ton crane allows them to perform work on individual trees without damaging those nearby. This was the case with an oak on Brandon Road, which had been damaged by insects and age and presented a danger to adjoining trees, automobiles and passers-by. The crane was used to pluck the ailing oak out without disturbing neighboring trees, which themselves were trimmed to encourage healthier future growth.
Construction plans required removal of other trees nearby, many of which are to be upcycled and returned to Glen Lennox for use as custom countertops, tables, shelving and artwork on the property. Upcycling is an emerging trend in urban forestry which helps sustain the long-term viability of urban woodlands, an idea that’s been enthusiastically embraced by Grubb Properties. The practice ensures that existing trees remain healthy, new plantings are continually being introduced, communities can fulfill their lumber needs and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by keeping lumber out of landfills.
Grubb Properties has factored sustainability into its ongoing plans for Glen Lennox, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of Chapel Hill’s thriving natural landscape.