New Library to Include Fresh, Saved Trees

Much of the development around the new Westwood Public Library has involved visible work on the construction of the new building since the Colburn School was moved last year.

But developmental plans are also in place as to what's to come for the landscape of the newly-renovated property next year. While there are plans for new plant life to be brought to the new building, the landscape could also include a handful of trees that are currently on the property.

"There are several trees designated to be 'saved,'" Library Director Tom Viti said this week, reading from a report compiled by the project's landscape architect, Marc Mazzarelli. 

Those trees that will be saved are to include a handful of trees near the front of the library, such as a Zelkova tree and a large Dogwood tree. The movement of trees from near the old Appleseed's parking lot and adjacent property are also expected to be saved.  

However, not all of the trees that are currently on the property will be moved, Viti said, due to the cost of movement and uncertainty of whether the trees would survive the move.

The new landscape will not feature an irrigation system, Viti said, as it would contradict  that keeps it under a level of energy efficiency. Thus, the new plants to be installed have been chosen to withstand life without the need for constant watering.

"All the plantings that we have are drought residstant," Viti said. "They don't need a lot of water; they're native species."

As for the price ove moving current trees, the cost for the Zelkova and Dogwood tree would cost nearly $2,000 each to move, Viti said, and a small Magnolia tree near the front steps of the library that may be moved would cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

Plans are in place to have planters decorate either side of the new library's entrance, as well as a pedestrian cirrcle in the parking lot. 

The new property will also feature what is being dubbed a "rain garden," which will be in the corner near the Appleseeds' property. 

"The whole Idea of it is that it's kind of an area that will be used for runoff and also to take in the water," Viti said. "There's a lot of asphalt on this site. That's a place where water can be claimed. It's not a catch basin, but there are plants there as well."

All in all, the exact details of the landscape are ultimately contingent upon what 

"If the Colburn School gets moved, which we all think it will, those trees would most likely need to be moved, because they'll be in the way," Viti said. "The trees that are closer to Appelseed's, that will really depend on the plans that Coffman comes up with."