They said it couldn't be done. Friendswood school district reps were told it was too expensive, and that the trees would never survive the move. However, they were all wrong. In an effort to save mature trees on the campus of Friendswood High School, Davey Large Tree Moving successfully moved 10 trees to another part of the campus. Originally, many of the trees were thought to be lost causes. Thankfully, that is when Curt Smith of the Davey Company stepped in.

The crew at Davey Company carefully moved bare cypress, oaks, and river birch trees from the soccer field to other ends of the campus. Five trees were also moved along side the tennis court, and more was done to give a more landscaped, green look. "We are hoping to make that area nice and landscaped," said Trish Hanks, FISD Superintendent. "We really kind of like the idea of the high school being sort of a green fit in the neighborhood."

Future plans include a sidewalk and possible fencing in the area. This looks like a taste of things to come. Hanks has regularly checked on the status of the trees, and they all seem to be doing great so far. She receives phone calls from many people complimenting the trees and area, which makes the work all the more worth while.

The entire tree move took the Davey Company three days. Since many of the trees were around 12-15 years old, daily watering and care was necessary. Even with all that, the transplant was successful. Some trees hold sentimental value as well, like one memorial oak dedicated to a former student. It's a job well done by Davey Large Tree Moving. Friendswood students will be in for a nice tree makeover when they return to Friendswood High School this fall.

Source: The Journal of Frienswood

Image courtesy of The Journal of Friendswood