Should the City's Million-Tree Plan Get Pruned?
Before we try to get thousands and thousands of new trees to grow in Brooklyn, we should take care of the ones we already have. That’s the gist of a discussion thread started by a poster on the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Yahoo group who argues the city doesn’t trim existing trees in a timely…
Before we try to get thousands and thousands of new trees to grow in Brooklyn, we should take care of the ones we already have. That’s the gist of a discussion thread started by a poster on the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Yahoo group who argues the city doesn’t trim existing trees in a timely enough fashion—a task it should be more on top of as the mayor’s ballyhooed plaNYC initiative to plant a million trees starts to take root. CB6 Chair Craig Hammerman weighs in on the discussion by saying there’s a really scary element to the million-tree plan:
It used to be that requests for tree plantings had to have the consent of the property owner or some responsible party at the planting location. Seems like the City doesn’t want to function that way anymore. Now anyone can request that a tree be planted anywhere, property owner be damned…Why force a tree on someone who may very well have a perfectly legitimate reason for not wanting one? As if the trees in this City didn’t have a hard enough time trying to survive a tough urban environment.
Think these are good points? Does the tree-planting initiative impinge on property owners’ rights, and should the city be doing more to take care of our existing trees?
It is quite unusual that the City would repair a private sidewalk unless there is a violation on it in which case the city will pay for the work and then charge it, plus “supervision” costs, to the building owner.
Sometimes the city decides to replace and repave whole stretches of streets, like what happened on Smith street 8 years ago. That is a capital project and a different story.
Really and truly property owners are responsible for repairs to their sidewalk. All the city will do is fine you if you do not.
The city will plant trees, will rarely prune them, but will trim roots for new sidewalks.
They also have new standards for tree pits that are very large compared to the old ones.
I’m shocked by the “call 311” or “I called 311 and nothing happened” posts.
Do people really think the city is that well managed? It’s not. You need to write a letter, find out who the decision-makers are, etc.
We had a branch I thought was dangerous. I walked into my local assemblyperson’s office and complained, followed up with a letter. Got an e-mail acknowledging letter and later an e-mail following up on issue. Tree was trimmed a couple weeks later.
Call 311. Ha ha ha ha ha
A Million Trees Grows in New York! I Love it!
10:50 here again.
FG/TGR: “Again, call 311 and find out more…and get back this thread to confirm any info if you do this today.”
You SOUND like The Grammar Lady. LOL
Here’s your info.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/trees_greenstreets/trees_sidewalks/trees_sidewalks.html
You need to do more than dial 311 for info for all programs in the city; You need to do research. I can assure you I own a 3-family home and the city paid for the replacement of damaged sidewalks. You can say I’m wrong, but I’m not. I hope this is helpful to you.
I called the NY Dept. of Forestry – Brooklyn Forestry about a “dangerous limb” .. a massive branch about to fall on the sidewalk. They did NOTHING. I even got a inspection report number from them.
I had to shell out $400 to prune the tree myself and even get a permit! Sucked … but I would have been the one who got taken to court.
I fully support more trees but we need better maintenance of existing trees as well (and a more responsive Parks Dept).
12:47,
I prefer to write long when I have something of substance to share. If you’re not into reading, then ignore my posts. Otherwise, thanks. I’ll tell my neighbor to give it a try.
12:15, 12:21
i do think that the condo buildings should all add trees. you can plant them yourself if you own the property. ask a landscaper about how to coordinate with the city. my gardener told me once that it costs about $1200 to plant a tree in the front. not really sure tho.
the sponsor of our new condo building did add trees in front before we moved in. they are growing really well. i have also 3 in my backyard that i put in myself (have a 1st floor condo). in addition, i added flower boxes to my front windows.
i think that landscaping really changes the way new property is viewed, and helps integrate new buildings into the neighborhood.
if you live in a new condo building, urge your board to add trees if not their already. it is a small expenses compared to the value they will add to your investment.
I can’t believe there’s this much roar about some freakin trees.
Just plant some, keep your sidewalks in check and shut it. Sorry if they aren’t all pruned into perfectly shaped specimans from your Home and Garden Magazines.
If people got as worked up about the war as they do trees, milfs and strollers, maybe this world wouldn’t be such a shitshow.
Dear 12:21
your 12:15 post was a little long-winded so I just skimmed, sorry, best to keep these things short.
If your contractor tells parks they are re-doing the sidewalk parks will send someone to trim the roots. They are good about this.
Tell your neighbor to tell the contractor to call.