This report is made possible by the efforts of George Frazier, a member of the Neighbor Wellness and Housing Committee, Quality of Life Subcommittee. And the support of The Catsfire Enterprise Inc.
This report supplies information about the Parks Department Tree Planting Program. Many members of the Wyona N&H Block Association express concerns about the program. And many members had questions about the impact of the Planting Program on their properties. Particularly, the damage tree roots cause to the sidewalk.
This report addresses these concerns and other questions. Be advised that this report is lengthy. It is recommended that you read the Tree Planting Report Summary first. This way, you can pinpoint the information that interests you most.
At the end of this page and other pages associated with this report are buttons that will move you from one page to another.
There are three pages to this report. They are:
- The Summary
- This Report
- And Additional Reading Material
The Additional Reading Material page contains information that you can read online.
Or download to your device.
All materials have a copyright and are not for sale or publication.
They have been provided for your informational purposes only.
By downloading any material, you agree to these terms.
This report will be available for a limited time.
We are in Phase 1 of a three-phase program.
Therefore, most, if not all, the information will become obsolete at some time..
Starting Point Links
This page supplies information about the tree planting process. As well as links to other detailed information.
The Tree Planting Overview
https://www2.nycgovparks.org/trees/street-tree-planting
The 9 Year Plan In Detail (This link may or may not have a line through it. It shoiuld work when you click on it.)
https://www2.nycgovparks.org/trees/street-tree-planting/neighborhood-tree-planting-program
Questions About The Tree Planting Program
Who is responsible for the damage the tree roots cause to the sidewalk aka Public Right Of Way?
NYC.Gov Website
Excerpts From Parks Dept Website
City Tree Damage
The City will no longer issue violations or impose liens on 1-, 2-, and 3- family properties that have sidewalk damage caused only by City trees.
Sidewalk defects due to tree or tree roots next to 4+ properties, commercial buildings, or vacant lots are the responsibility of the property owner.
Search Trees and Sidewalk Repair for details.
https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01505
A PDF of this information is attached to this report.
Note: To report a damaged sidewalk contact DOT through the city website. Or file a 311 Service Request. Whatever you do. Make sure to file a complaint.
What Are Those Markings On My Sidewalk?
The following excerpts are from the Parks Department web page. Click on this link to read about the entire planting process.
Link: https://www2.nycgovparks.org/trees/street-tree-planting/steps
Excerpt
Step 2: Utilities
The utility companies mark the underground gas (yellow), electric (red), and telecommunication (orange) lines at the proposed planting location to ensure that the tree planting will not conflict with any of these utilities. Though a site may have been approved during the survey process, it may later be declined after the utilities are marked on the sidewalk and street.
Step 3: Marking
An NYC Parks forester and the planting contractor will then visit the planting site to mark out the future tree bed and tree location. A white “T” is painted on the curb where the tree will be planted. You may also see white marks on the sidewalk to indicate the corners of the future street tree bed. Marking of the planting location will most likely take place between February and March for spring plantings, and between September and October for fall plantings. NYC Parks places a specialized decal to indicate where tree planting is taking place.
End of Excerpt.
What Is the Planting Time frame?
Excerpt
Trees are planted from October through May. Because tree plantings may be delayed by weather or other unforeseen events, we’re unable to provide an exact planting date. But before your new leafy friend arrives, a sticker will be placed where the tree will be planted in the sidewalk. In areas with lawn strips, a flag will be placed indicating that a new tree will be planted within the public right-of-way.
Note that I checked the tree planting schedule. And trees for 666 and 658 Wyona are scheduled for 12/31/25.
How do we identify and verify the newly planted tree?
Excerpt
Your new tree will also have an “I’M YOUR NEW TREE” tag with the name of the tree species. Each new tree will have two wooden stakes on either side for support and the area around the tree will be covered in mulch to minimize weed growth and to retain water.
Who Cares For The Tree?
Excerpt
Caring for Street Trees
We are responsible for the care and maintenance of street trees. After a tree has been planted, our planting contractors are responsible for all basic tree care services including watering, weeding, replacing missing soil, and conducting minor pruning and replacement, if necessary. The contractor is also required to water the tree at least once every two weeks from May through October.
Local residents are encouraged to help care for street trees. Volunteers can water and provide mulch for trees, cultivate the soil, plant flowers in tree beds, and install tree guards.
Who do we contact if there is a problem with the tree?
Excerpt
Tree Services
If you know of a tree that needs our attention, please report it by submitting a service request. If you’ve already filed a service request with us or with 311, you can check the status of your tree service request using your confirmation number.
Trees Planted Since 2021
The following concerns trees newly planted since 2021. This information will help in forming an opinion on the type of trees that are best for the block. And those that should not be here.
Notes
Latest Info. Refers to information supplied by the Parks Department’s interactive map.
Note that the Parks Department does not update this map as it is supposed to.
Unless otherwise stated, the term latest info refers to the latest photo taken by an independent contractor.
Not Found On Approved List. This refers to the Parks Department list of approved trees for planting.
Note that a tree no longer on the list does not mean that the tree is not suitable for planting. It may mean that a particular tree is not available for planting.
Number In Parentheses. A number in parentheses represents the number of trees.
Possible Discrepancies. The trees in the report are the ones listed on the Parks Department website. I know that two of the trees near New Lots Ave were replaced. There are no tags on those trees. There are no tags on any of the trees except the one at 657 Wyona.
Trees Already Planted
Tree: Bloodgood Plane Tree aka Platanus Acerifloia Bloodgood
657 Wyona Street Completed 5/15/25
This is a large tree.
Wikipedia
The London plane, or sometimes hybrid plane, Platanus × hispanica,[2] is a tree in the genus Platanus. It is often known by the synonym Platanus × acerifolia, a later name. It is a hybrid of Platanus orientalis (oriental plane) and Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore).
Platanus x acerifolia ‘Bloodgood’, or the Bloodgood London Planetree, is a large, fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its anthracnose resistance, distinctive peeling bark in shades of cream, green, and brown, and large, maple-like leaves that turn yellow-brown in fall. It is a hardy and durable tree, well-suited for urban environments, parks, and large open spaces due to its tolerance for compacted soil, heat, pollution, and drought.
I do not know if this tree is similar to the London Plantree that we now have. If it is, then we need to be aware of the following.
The following refers to the London Planetree Trees we already have.
The tree is fairly wind-resistant. However, it has a number of problems in urban use, most notably the short, stiff hairs shed by the young leaves and the dispersing seeds; these are an irritant if breathed in, and can exacerbate breathing difficulties for people with asthma.[6] The vigorous roots can also cause problems with paving in cities, making uneven surfaces with tripping hazards.[6] The large leaves can create a disposal problem in cities, as they are tough and sometimes can take more than one year to break down if they remain whole.
Tree: “Beijing Gold” Peking Tree lilac (2)
Closest Address: 710 Wyona
Planted 12.8.21
Not found on approved list.
Does this tree produce pollen?
Yes, the “Beijing Gold” (or Chinese) Peking Tree lilac does produce pollen; it is a pollinator-friendly plant, attracting bees and other beneficial insects with its flowers, which are the source of the pollen.
Note that the pollen is not wind blown. So it will not pollute the air. We will see more bees though.
Tree: Hophornbeam Ostrya Virginiana (2)
Closest 611 Hegeman (but it is on Wyona St) Planted 12.8.21 Not found on approved list This is a small tree.
AI Search Result
Pros include its aesthetic value, significant wildlife support, and adaptability to various soils, while cons are its slow growth, difficulty transplanting, and low commercial value.
Does The Tree Produce Pollen?
AI Search Result
Yes, the American hophornbeam tree (Ostrya virginiana) produces pollen in New York, typically in the spring when its leaves begin to emerge. It is a wind-pollinated tree, with male catkins developing in late summer of the preceding year and maturing to release pollen in the spring. The pollen is dispersed by the wind.
Conclusion
Although this tree produces pollen. If we have trees (female trees) that remove the pollen from the air we may be okay. This is contingent on the fact that male trees do not overwhelm female trees.
Tree: Silver Linden_Tilia Tomentosa
Closest Address 464 New Lots Ave (It is on Wyona near New Lots In front of the ASPCA) Latest info 9.13.25. Still on The List of Approved Trees Classified as a large tree.
From Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia_tomentosa
Short Description:
Tilia tomentosa is a deciduous tree growing to 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 2 m (7 ft) in diameter.
Excerpt
Silver Lindens are susceptible to aphids, borer, walnut lace bugs, caterpillars, leaf miners, scale, and mites. The aphids secrete a substance that causes a dark soot called honeydew.
Then there is this problem. This tree is not suitable for planting in a restrictive manner.
Excerpt
Lindens are prone to girdling roots when planted improperly or in restricted areas.
Girdling Roots Definition: Girdling roots are tree roots that grow in a circle around the tree’s trunk, constricting it and hindering the flow of water and nutrients. They are caused by poor planting, compacted soil, or container-grown plants and can lead to trunk weakness, structural issues, and even trunk breakage
Excerpt
Medicinal Use
Silver linden is used in traditional herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of the common cold, anxiety, and insomnia by promoting relaxation and sleep through its soothing properties. The flowers are often brewed into a tea, used in syrups, or infused into honey. Additionally, the tree itself is planted in urban and residential landscapes for its shade, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, and its distinctive shimmering silver-backed leaves.
Conclusion
This tree is a bit complex. The biggest problem with the tree is the bugs it attracts.
The upside.
The tree’s leaves have medicinal properties. If this tree is planted correctly and maintained. It poses no threat to the community.
Tree: “Triumph” Elm Ulmus
Closest Address 464 New Lots (It is on Wyona St in front of the ASPCA)
Latest info 9.13.25 Not of the Approved List.
This is a large tree.
AI Search Result
Question: Is the Triumph Elm a male or female tree?
The Triumph Elm is neither strictly male nor female; like most elms, it is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female flowers on the same tree. The flowers are also bisexual, containing both male and female parts within a single bloom.
A Triumph elm tree can self-pollinate, though its female parts mature before the male parts to encourage cross-pollination with other elm trees. The flowers appear in the spring and produce small, winged seeds called samaras.
The “Triumph” Elm (scientific name Ulmus ‘Morton Glossy’) is a hardy, disease-resistant elm hybrid known for its symmetrical, upright growth, reaching 50-60 feet tall with dark green, glossy foliage and yellow fall color. This fast-growing tree is a good choice for urban environments, parkways, and open spaces due to its resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle, and it adapts well to various soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils.
Pros and Cons
Pros include its rapid growth, handsome vase-like form as a young tree, tolerance to wet, dry, and urban soils, and sturdy branches that tend to hinge rather than break.
Cons are its tendency to attract Japanese beetles and DED (Dutch Elm Disease), its potentially high seed production and resulting mess, and the need for pruning to maintain its classic shape, which may be costly and requires professional help.
Conclusion
This tree will not add to our already pollen-laden air. There will be horticultural garbage to remove. But that is not the main problem.
Pruning is. Pruning is something that all our trees need.
*Tree: “Green Leaf”Japanese Flowering Cherry
Closest Address 460 New Lots (It is on Wyona St. Across the street from the ASPCA). Latest info 9.13.25
No Longer on the Approved List. No wonder this tree is toxic to dogs.
AI Search Result
How tall does a Japanese flowering cherry tree get?
Answer
20 to 25 feet high
This tree qualifies as a medium sized tree.
They can have single or double flowers in small clusters in late spring (April-May) as leaves form. Tree is fruitless. Mature size and shape: Small to medium. 20 to 25 feet high x 10 feet wide.
Important Note If You Have a Dog.
Are Japanese flowering cherry trees poisonous to dogs?
All parts of a cherry tree are toxic to dogs, including the leaves, seeds, and blossoms: The leaves, seeds, and stems of cherry trees contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide when metabolized. Cyanide is especially toxic when the leaves are wilted.
Does The Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees Produce Pollen?
Yes, Japanese flowering cherry trees (ornamental or decorative cherry blossoms) do produce pollen, but it is typically large and doesn’t travel far, making it less of an allergen than the smaller pollen from trees like cedarsand oaks that are more responsible for seasonal allergies. The pollen serves as an important food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Conclusion
This tree does not produce pollen that will aggravate allergies. But dog owners should avoid crossing its path. This tree is near the corner of New Lots and Wyona. Across the street from the ASPCA.
Because it is a medium size tree root damage to the sidewalk is not an issue.
*Tree: “Metro Gold” Hedge Maple
Closest Address 460 New Lots (It is Wyona near New Lots)
Latest Info 9.13.25 This is a medium size tree.
How Tall Does a Hedge Maple Get?
Hedge maple has a rounded mature habit reaching 35 feet tall and wide. Considerable pruning is required and why it is given the common name hedge maple. Plant in rich,well-drained acidic soils in full to partial shade.
Is Hedge Maple Invasive?
Once popular in Europe and the United Kingdom, the hedge maple is an ornamental tree that’s no longer widely planted in North America due to its invasive tendencies.
Conclusion
This tree is going to be a problem in the making. Although it is a medium-sized tree, according to the Parks Department. It comes with large-scale problems.
This tree is so invasive that planting in North America was halted.
And there is the issue of pruning. This tree requires considerable pruning. This is an area where the Parks Department is weak.
This tree should not have been planted here. If possible, it should be replaced with a non-invasive medium-sized tree that requires less maintenance.
Tree Pruning
As an added bonus, I decided to check on the tree pruning schedule for our street. A check of the Tree Pruning website, showing Completed and Scheduled pruning, showed no scheduled pruning for this section of Wyona St.
To check on pruning for your tree, go to https://www2.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/tree-pruning
There are several ways to access data.
- Entering your street address is the most precise method.
- Enter the zip or street name to search a broader area.
