Tree Tilts in Courtyard

By Keaton Beltmann, Current Staff

If a tree falls in the courtyard, will anyone hear it?

One of the trees located in the West Bend High Schools courtyard was damaged by a major snowstorm in January. The tree, which is now tilted and nearing collapse, will be removed on Monday.

Director of Facilities Tim Harder noticed the tree’s position while visiting the campus after the storm. The job of removing the tree will be completed by the WBSD grounds team, and the plan is straightforward.

“The tree will be cut down and then cut into smaller pieces, which will then be hauled out of the courtyard area,” Harder said.

The tree remains slanted as the district needed to wait for the right time for removal.

“With the amount of snow that came down we were unable to cut up the tree at that time,” Harder said. “With the snow now melted, and a no-student day coming up next Monday, we will look to remove the tree that day.”

It’s important no students are present because the chopped up material will be hauled through the building. The courtyard is enclosed by four walls.

Harder says there are no safety risks apparent at this time. When the grounds team reports to the scene, they will collaborate to limit any damage to the building and surrounding trees. They will also complete an inspection of the courtyard area. Since the work is being done by employees, there will be no additional expense for the district.

“I can tell you that I am so saddened by the loss of our beautiful courtyard tree from the weather!,” executive principal Jennifer Potter said. “While the winter wonderland was pretty, it seems many trees were hit hard by it this year.”