To build a safer and more environmentally friendly campus area, UGM will make arrangement on the roads of Notonegoro and East Rim. Along this road, there will be a comfortable pedestrian path, a cyclist track, as well as green area. Related to the construction of this line, the arrangement of vegetation becomes one of the important agenda to be done in the near future.
"Over 250 trees would be planted there, but there are few existing trees in the area that should be reorganized. This will take 7 to 8 months," said Director of Assets, Prof. Ir. Henricus Priyosulistyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Monday (27/6).
Plants on the road will be demolished and replaced with shade plants, such as bullet wood (mimusops elengi) and mahogany trees. These types are chosen because they have strong roots and good canopy and not deciduous (evergreen).
Related to the vegetation on campus, UGM has a team dedicated to manage it to go in accordance with the aesthetic aspects, security, and harmony with the environment. Their job description is not simply choosing type of trees to be grown but also to regularly checking on the condition of the plant, including identifying trees that have passed through their lifetime and have the risk of breaking or collapsing.
"We check every tree on campus, potentially dangerous trees will immediately be cut down," vegetation team leader, Prof. Dr. Ir. Moh. Naiem, M.Agr.Sc, said.
The safety factor, according to the man, is one important concern in the structuring of vegetation, given the extreme weather factors such as rain, strong winds and lightning that can damage or uproot trees. Therefore, it is one of the considerations for pruning or cutting down of large trees.
"High frequency of rain, strong wind, all causes concern that the high tree will fall down. Last year a large tree in the arboretum biology was hit by lightning and had to be cut down," he explained.
However, to preserve the vegetation on campus, the team is applying the principle of 'chop 1, plant 3'. Every old or damaged tree is felled, the tree should be replaced by planting three new trees.
In addition to the east rim, the team is also currently designing the arrangement of vegetation in the area between the Faculty of Psychology and the Faculty of Philosophy, as well as in the area around the dam. At both of these locations will be planted trees with colorful flowers to create an area that is not only environmentally friendly, but also aesthetic.