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Tannenbaum mall

New landscape plan inconsiderate and wasteful

As undesirable as more campus construction sounds, sometimes it is worth the trouble. Construction on East University Avenue between North and South University Avenues begins at the end of this semester and will greatly improve the current landscaping.

Improvement is always a good idea. However, the means can be problematic. The University, in conjunction with Johnson, Johnson and Roy Landscaping Company, did not necessarily choose the best route. The University neglected to seek out any input from a large group of students whose opinion would have been beneficial -- yet they are creating the new "pedestrian mall" in these students' backyard, the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

SNRE students study the sustainability of native plants, and distinguish between different plant varieties and possible combinations that will compliment each other. They work to develop more sensible and creative landscaping skills and to explore various ways in which ecologically sound landscapes can still be aesthetically pleasing. To avoid seeking the students' advice is not only an oversight on the University's part -- it is plain inconsiderate.

The University is a place for learning knowledge, then applying it. The landscaping project was a perfect opportunity for willing students to further their knowledge and gain experience in something that they have studied -- satisfying and rewarding information.

SNRE students had ideas for this project that should have been considered. Since students populate East University Avenue every day, their input would have brought an unconsidered angle to the new mall. For example, one student suggested an ecologically balanced and energy-efficient design.

The landscaping company chose to use non-native vegetation such as Scotch pines -- usually used for Christmas trees -- and flowering apple crab trees. These trees require more energy and water than is readily available in Michigan's climate. Instead, SNRE students advocate using native plants because they grow easier, are less expensive to maintain and are just as aesthetically pleasing. An artificial irrigation system would not be required to maintain native plants; it is necessary for non-native vegetation. By neglecting these suggestions, the resulting facility will not be entirely ecologically sound.

The landscaping company's idea centers around aesthetics; therefore, planners chose to use exotic plants that cost more to maintain in the long run. But who will pay to maintain special pines and crab apples? Students, if asked, would most likely not support Scotch pines over white pines if they had to foot the bill. It is financially unwise to invest in frivolously relandscaping a section of campus.

The funds would be better used if they contributed to educating SNRE students. If the University focused more of its business transactions on its educational mission, the campus would be more pleasing for students, -- mall or no mall.