aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Old Main maple reaches end of life

Yesterday, April 1st, Western’s arborist, Keith Doran, discovered extensive rot in one of the Norway Maples in front of Old Main on WWU's main campus. Although the decision to remove a tree is always difficult, this tree has reached the end of its natural life and must be removed for the safety of the community.

The area surrounding the tree was cordoned off when the rot was discovered, and a team from Facilities Development and Operations will begin removing the tree today, April 2nd. Please exercise caution around the work area.

Western’s gardeners plan to plant a new Norway Maple on Old Main lawn within the next few months, as soon as one can be found and brought to campus. And to honor the legacy of a tree that has touched so many over the years, intact wood will be saved for use in future projects around campus.

Visit WWU Facilities Development and Operations for more information about this work as well as other projects.