Merlo

What's happening at the CCSC?

it looks like Paul Bunyan broke loose from his Dancing Bare haunts and invaded the campus.

Stoney? Ju got some 'Splainin' to do.....

I heard that the roots from the trees were messing up the walkways and more importantly the field surface. But I also hear they are planning on planting some new ones...

I'm 95% certain they were cut down to make room for the P Nation luxury suite... AKA the Pliny Lounge.

I'll make sure the Pliny Lounge has hanging ferns...

Here's a picture link off the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8444538&id=93885717783

Hahaha it does seem kind of drastic with the photos, but shifting the sidewalks can be potentially dangerous, and affecting the field of play? I think the punishment fits the crime

I just feel sorry for the cars parked behind that will be tattooed by other team's errant shots (Pilots don't make errant shots obviously)

Hey Pilot Nation, here's a bit of an explanation for you on removal of the leyland cypress trees on 2 sides of Merlo Field. UP got confirmation of their worst fears during last years re-sodding of the pitch. Roots from the trees had invaded a significant area below the grass surface on the parking lot side and the Chiles Center side of the stadium. Not so much on the Willamette Blvd. side. In addition sidewalk areas on both sides were beginning to show signs of buckling with trip hazards. The final straw was confirmation from the head groundskeeper that the shadows from the trees on the parking lot side now stretched nearly to mid-field and was vey seriously impairing grass growth and greening. The grass was not getting the full sunlight it needed. So the decision was made to remove the trees. A decision was also made to replace the trees - with a similar or even the same species. They are a fast growing tree and - here's the key - if maintained for height and bulk - will be very acceptable replacements for the trees that were removed. Next time you are on campus take a look at the row of leyland cypress tress next to the 3rd base side of Pilot stadium and the hitting facility. They are maintained annually for height and bulk and look great. The trees at Merlo pretty much were allowed to grow free - an unfortunate happening leading to their removal. Once replanted the trees will be maintained like the ones by the baseball field and will re-capture some of that special intimacy the former trees provided. It does look pretty lean right now but please be patient. One consolation is that the view onto campus and Forest Park from the Willamette Blvd. end of Merlo Field is greatly enhanced. Hope this helps you all understand why the trees had to go. I'm not saying I like - I'm just saying I understand it and am glad the trees will be replaced. GO PILOTS!

You could send the grounds keeper down to Stanford's facility to improve the sight lines there....

HA! I kind of figured as soon as I saw the pictures that it had to be a safety/infrastructure kind of thing. Plus with as much time and money invested in the Merlo playing surface, allowing the trees to continue their two pronged infringement on the grass just doesn't make sense at all. The trees will be missed obviously, but it makes sense.

I've wondered what would happen to that side of Merlo as future campus plans begin to take shape, it seems like if there is to ever be any expansion, that is an obvious direction...

Makes it pretty nice for the peanut gallery for a while.

From Wiki:

The Cypress's rapid growth (up to a metre per year), great potential height (often over 20 m tall in garden conditions, they can reach at least 35 m), and consequent heavy shade which results in their capacity to cut out light, can make them a problem.

Sounds about right.

LINK

I bet there are some east goal keepers who aren't going to be too happy during late afternoon/early evening games!

Just noticed the current UP home page at www.up.edu has an aerial photo that very clearly shows the shadows cast onto the pitch by the (former) cypress trees. The next generation of trees to be planted will be maintained more closely to avoid a repeat of that problem.

Shade tip...

Creeping, Hard, and Chewings fescues in the mix in the shade areas. They blend fairly seamlessly with the Bluegrass mix they planted.

Taken on June 23, 2011.

Looks kind of barren doesn't it?

Having very fair skin, I always appreciated the shade in the north stands.
Guess I'll need sun screen and a hat this year.