Have you ever thought, “We need more trees on campus?” Are you passionate about USC’s flora and landscaping choices?
Then you may be interested in the campus tree contest, where students can decide which type of tree they want to see more of at USC. The voting form, which features six types of trees, was released in honor of Earth Month and closes on April 25, Arbor Day. Students can choose one of the provided varieties — Strawberry tree, Crape Myrtle, Oak tree, Jacaranda tree, Camphor tree and Eastern Redbud — or write in their own nominee to be considered for planting.
According to the event listing, the tree with the most votes will be planted on campus, with the location still to be determined.
“Tree lovers, unite!” the description reads. “USC is committed to promoting healthy trees, conservation, and student engagement. So, let’s come together and make a lasting impact on our campus and environment.”
Choose your favorite trees below with Annenberg Media’s March Madness spinoff bracket creator.
Annenberg Media asked students around campus to fill out their own tree bracket. In our design, the Strawberry tree got an automatic bid into the next round to face the winner of the Camphor tree and the Jacaranda tree. On the other side of the bracket, the Crape Myrtle got their automatic bid awaiting the winner of the Oak tree and the Eastern Redbud.
Justin Smith, a master’s student in environmental studies, established himself as an Oak tree fan early on. Smith said the oak tree represents USC due to its prevalence on campus and its fire management component strategies. In Smith’s eyes, it only made sense to choose it as the champion of his bracket.
“It’s got to be the Oak,” Smith said. “I am an Oak tree fan based on their native status.”
Gerardo Pesqueira, who studies health promotion, disease prevention and medical gerontology, believes the Jacaranda tree represents USC best.
“I worked on a health campaign with Keck, and they use the blooming of the tree to mark when you should get tested for HPV,” Pesqueira said. “So that’s what I would associate with the USC area.”
Despite Pesqueira choosing the Jacaranda as the best representation of USC, he said the Oak tree would win his tree bracket.
“I started with the Oak tree, and I’m sticking with the Oak tree,” Pesqueira said. He explained that while hype can factor into the decision of the best tree, beauty is the ultimate factor.
Kai Hines, an international relations and global business student, said the Crape Myrtle or Strawberry tree represented USC to him because of their color. Both trees are dotted with red, either in the form of flowers or fruits.
“They have the brightest background,” which represents Los Angeles, according to Hines.
Hines chose the Crape Myrtle tree to win out over the Jacaranda in the championship matchup of his bracket.
“I like both colors,” Hines said. “I like lavender, but the Jacaranda tree isn’t lavender, so I’m going to go with the Crape Myrtle tree.”
With looks playing a major factor in his decision, Hines said he believes beauty will be the main reason for the victor. “Appearance is the first thing you see in most things,” Hines said.
Leon Prieto, a neuroscience major, said they liked the Oak because of their climbability.
“When I go around looking for a tree, I mainly see if they are climbable because I like climbing trees,” Preito said. Despite this, Prieto steered away from the popular pick and chose the Jacaranda tree as their champion.
Voting will end on April 25.
“Tell us which tree you’d like to see more of on campus!” the form reads. “Whether it’s the mighty Oak, the dainty Myrtle, or the elegant Jacaranda, your vote counts.”