News

Two linden trees near Otaniementie to be renewed

New saplings to replace the old trees will be planted here in spring 2022. Old trees will also remain in Otaniemi, they will become decaying wood art to be placed in the middle of the campus next summer.
Havainnekuva
An illustration image of the future situation in the area. Illustration: MASU Planning Oy

The two weak linden trees between shopping centre A Bloc and Undergraduate Centre will be cut down in February and replaced by new large linden saplings later in the spring. The old trees are in very poor condition and are currently supported by wires to prevent them from collapsing.

The trees have already undergone all the measures to conserve them, such as several treatment cuts, but health studies have shown them to be very rotten, suffering, and safety risk to people and their surrounding environment. Espoo City Planning Deparment has granted the measure and a landscape work permit.

Lehmukset
The weak linden trees next to A Bloc and Undergraduate Centre. Photo: Aalto University / Milla Uusitalo

The linden trees are a significant part of Otaniemi's identity and cultural history, so after they have been felled, they will have a new life in the centre of the campus as an outdoor artwork. Over time, the work of art will transform into rotting wood and enhance the area's biodiversity. 

Decaying wood is especially important for fungi and insects, among others. Many species need decaying trees at different stages of decay, for example for food, living and as breeding ground. Decaying trees also provide nesting places for forest birds.

Along with the new linden saplings, a lot of other smaller plants will be planted to support natural diversity in the same green area between A Bloc, Undergraduate Centre and Harald Herlin Learning Centre in spring 2022. Old linden trees will be temporarily stored near Ainonaukio and Korkeakouluaukio before art pieces will be compiled.

More information: Aalto CRE/Aapo Pihkala, [email protected] 

More information about decaying wood from the Metsähallitus web page (in Finnish)

Contractor: VRJ Etelä-Suomi Oy/Heikki Taskinen  

Landscaping permit: DRNo 2019-516-T, Espoo City Planning Department

Client: Aalto University Campus & Real Estate

  • Published:
  • Updated:

Read more news

Locker system with a digital display reading 'Scan your Badge'. A large red arrow points down next to the screen.
Campus Published:

Changes in Väre lockers

All student lockers in Väre will be turned into short term lockers. The change is based on an analysis of the usage logs and has been discussed with student representatives.
Aerial view of modern urban buildings with green rooftops and solar panels in a dense cityscape by the water.
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

Aalto University secures significant funding for critical green transition research

Granted by the Research Council of Finland, the funding will accelerate research in energy systems, microelectronics and sustainable cities
Blue-coral gradient background with a podium floating over balloons and above it a white cloud dispersing a ray of light to its spectral components.
Research & Art Published:

The winner of Aalto University's Open Science Award 2024 is AALTOLAB Virtual Laboratories

The winner of Aalto University's Open Science Award winner for 2024 has been chosen.
Close-up of Helsinki Central Station with two stone statues holding spherical lamps and the sign 'RAUTA'.
Press releases Published:

Aalto University launches fundraising campaign with aim of raising €30 million as university celebrates 15th anniversary

With the donations, Aalto will be able to respond better to the growing needs of high-quality education, research and innovation