Buckman Drive Campus Enhancement Project

Initial phases of Buckman Drive Campus Enhancement Project to commence on Saturday, September 30th

On Saturday, September 30th work will commence on the first part of a multi-phase landscape and hardscape project along Buckman Drive. This is one of eight Campus Enhancement Projects targeting select areas for landscape improvements to include visual enhancements for the UF community and bring areas into compliance with the Landscape Master Plan.  CHW Professional Consultants was hired to provide conceptual landscape enhancement designs for the identified areas. CHW worked in conjunction with Planning, Design and Construction and Facilities Services to ensure consistency of vision and identification of plants that have proven to be resilient to the campus environment while adhering to the Landscape Master Plan. The University’s Lakes, Vegetation and Landscaping Committee also had input on the landscape project. Facilities Services will be performing the work to bring the project’s vision to life. 

The Buckman Drive project addresses the aging trees in the area and provides a landscape plan for the future of the corridor from University Avenue to Union Avenue. The work also includes aesthetic enhancements to the area including updated building signage along with a phased approach for replanting the tree canopy.  Removal of the hollies and Shumard Oaks are necessary to ensure the safety of pedestrian traffic. The beginning phases of the project have been scheduled on the weekends to minimize traffic impacts.  

Phase 1: Scheduled for Saturday, September 30th 

• Removal of the holly trees along Buckman Drive. Traffic will be taken down to one lane while tree removal is performed on that side of the road. Facilities Services will provide flagging for traffic management. 

Phase 2: Scheduled for Saturday, October 14th 

• Demolition of planters. 

The project timeline will likely span several months to accommodate the phased tree removal approach and any future project scope. Once new trees are established, subsequent removals of additional species in poor conditions will be pursued. This will assist in mitigating impacts to shade cover along the pedestrian walkways while allowing for progress towards completion of the project. The species selection for tree replacements will be coordinated with Facilities Services and follow the Landscape Master Plan. For questions related to this work, please contact fscommunications@ad.ufl.edu.