Above, Edwards Hall before vine removal.
Moulton Hall is seen before (top) and after (bottom) vine removal.
The Facilities Management Grounds Department initiated a Vine Preservation Program for Moulton and Edwards halls in July.
Vine preservation allows for building maintenance that would otherwise be a challenge. Superintendent of Grounds Patrick Murphy has implemented a three-year preservation plan, which requires specific vines to be removed and others to be pruned to the ground. Building Maintenance will have approximately two and a half years to perform routine maintenance on the buildings before the vines rejuvenate to their full potential. The pruning of the ivy promotes healthy growth and will add an aesthetic feel to the buildings.
Two varieties of vines were detected on both Moulton and Edwards halls: the Trumpet Vine and Copper Leaf Grapes. The Trumpet Vine is named from its trumpet shaped red-orange flower; it is an invasive species primarily located in the Midwest. Copper Leaf Grapes have large leaves with three points and are considered weeds in most cases. They occur naturally, are rarely planted, and are not commonly used in domesticated landscapes.
Three types of ornamental ivy will be preserved through the pruning process:
— English Ivy has a five-pointed leaf that is persistent in cold weather. It is very common and its color changes to a red wine hue in the fall.
The Edwards Hall facade today.
— Thorndale Ivy is often used as ground cover that will vine on structures and trees if left to grow. It has a blue hue during an active growing season and turns to a dull grey or reddish color in fall and winter.
— Baltic Ivy is also used as ground cover but will vine on to structures at a lesser height than Thorndale Ivy. It turns a beautiful reddish pink color in fall and winter.
The Grounds crew located Poison Ivy in the vines and removed it permanently.
The Vine Preservation Program was necessary because vines and ivy pose a potential threat to degrade the exterior of a building and can be harmful if not managed.
