A dying elm tree was removed from along 12th Street on Sept. 26, resulting in closures on the sidewalk and a number of parking spaces in the nearby Reserve Residence Hall lot.

According to Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Public Relations Director David Ludlam, branches would break off the tree during wind storms. This posed a hazard for drivers and pedestrians, especially CMU students residing in the nearby Orchard Avenue Apartments.

“While this tree needs replaced, the good news is CMU staff will be planting a new sapling adding to the species diversity of campus landscaping,” Ludlam said in an email to CMU faculty and staff earlier this week. “The process of tree harvesting and replanting keeps a healthy age diversity of campus trees and is a reason for CMU’s reputation as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA designee.”

The tree was being cut down in small increments as of approximately 10:15 Thursday morning, with the surrounding area closed off as branches were tossed to the ground.

“The next time you pass by, in its place, will be a new tree just beginning its journey at CMU,” Ludlam said.