Urban Tree Stewardship

Image of a Japanese Zelkova tree with sunlight shining through its branches, surrounded by precautionary snow fencing in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.

Crack Discovered in Trunk of Iconic Campus Tree

  • by Katie Hetrick
  • Tue, September 12, 2023
The expansive Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata), which has graced the banks of Lake Spafford in the UC Davis Arboretum since the 1960s, grew to serve as a popular gathering place for picnics, wildlife viewing, family photos and more until the recent discovery of a large crack in its trunk. Experts studying the issue determined it is in danger of breaking apart and poses a significant hazard.
Image of valley oak with sun behind the branches.

Urban Forest Management Team

Our campus's urban forest management team leads a robust Campus Tree Renewal Program to maintain and expand the university's urban forest of over 16,000 trees. This team's goals are to keep our campus safe, beautiful, and always adaptive to the changing climate.
Image of Tyler Kern, UC Davis' first campus forester, in the Arboretum.

Tyler Kern: UC Davis' First Campus Urban Forester

  • by Savrene Dudwal
  • Tue, October 05, 2021
Tyler Kern, the first UC Davis campus urban forester and part of the Arboretum and Public Garden team, is devoted to managing and maintaining the university's urban forest. As certified arborist, Kern has worked on numerous projects in his career aimed at supporting flourishing environments and is bringing his expertise back with him to Davis.  
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