Tree replacement at Flight 93 Memorial will take decades

Officials in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, say it will take many years to replace and restore the trees at the Flight 93 National Memorial. This site honors the 40 passengers and crew members who died on September 11, 2001, when a hijacked airplane crashed there. Almost a year ago, about 700 dead or unhealthy trees were cut down. Now, work is beginning to add topsoil and plan for a long-term tree rehabilitation effort. The memorial has 40 groves and a central walkway that are intended to commemorate the bravery of the passengers who fought the hijackers. Landscape architect James Mealey explained that it could take up to 40 years for the trees to fully mature. He noted various problems have hindered the project, including poor soil, unsuitable tree types, and harsh weather conditions. Mealey stated that while not every tree will be planted over 40 years, the entire landscape's development will span several decades. From 2012 to 2016, about 2,000 native trees were planted at the memorial. The first step in replanting might take place next spring. To support this effort, funds are being raised. The September 11 attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths when terrorists hijacked four planes, with two hitting the World Trade Center and another striking the Pentagon.