Enlarging a Tree Pit?
We have a huge sidewalk tree in front of our house in South Slope (and by huge, I mean taller than my 3-story house), planted in a teeny tiny tree pit, maybe 3 ft square. The tree looks like it’s being squished – its trunk alone is practically wider than its sidewalk space. I notice…
We have a huge sidewalk tree in front of our house in South Slope (and by huge, I mean taller than my 3-story house), planted in a teeny tiny tree pit, maybe 3 ft square. The tree looks like it’s being squished – its trunk alone is practically wider than its sidewalk space.
I notice that the sidewalk in front of our house is wider than in front of our neighbors houses, plus there’s lots of lateral space on either side of the tree pit. So, I’m trying to figure out how to get the tree a little more space. We’d be willing to pay someone to enlarge the tree pit, but I want to get permission first. The folks at 311 and the department of transportation (who technically own the sidewalks) just seem baffled by this question. Any ideas?
My husband has also pointed out that maybe I should just leave well-enough alone, and if the tree has already managed to thrive in this small space then maybe we should just let it be. I don’t know a ton about trees.. but feels like more space would be better.. any thoughts here?
I used Buscarello & Sons. They enlarged the tree pit, put down a new sidewalk and regrouted my limestone stoop. They did good work and have been working in the neighborhood for a while.
DOT permit not req. for less than 25 sf of work – takes lots of hunting to find that out on website
Hey, 6:22 pm, would you recommend your masonry contractor? we also need to get our front stoop re-done (do the projects ever end?) so would love to find someone who comes recommended.
1. I had this done earlier this year in the slope and had to have a permit from DOT (my masonry contractor handled this). I suggest finding a good mason in the area and working the problem that way.
2. I am not sure if the dimensions given above are correct, but the salient issue is the space between your stoop and the tree pit rather than actual size of the pit. Realistically, you should be able to at least go out as far as the other pits on your block, maybe farther depending on your stoop/pit configuration… I am not sure if there are any up/down the block length regulations.
FYI: If you anticipate having to cut any of the roots in order to fit the tree inside the new pit, you will need to make a “root cutting appointment” with the parks department or some division thereof. I called 311 and asked for such an appointment and was sent to the right place. If this does not work, call the parks department directly.
NYC has a Greenstreets program. There lots of useful information, including contacts, at:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/trees_greenstreets.html
1 – regulation tree pit is 5×5 to 5×10
2- No DOT permit is required
Just go do it
Technically, the sidewalk in front of your house is yours to maintain. Just avoid creating a pedestrian trip hazard or restricting its width below minimum clearance because that will be on you as well.
I’d call Parks and ask them. Otherwise, I’d leave it alone unless/until you start seeing the sidewalk lift around the base of the tree. A sidewalk is no match for a tree root.