Tree Guards – New York City
New York in recent years has made a few changes in the permitting and vocabulary surrounding their street trees. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation which oversees the city’s street and park trees now refers to the little patch of soil surrounding the street trees “Tree Beds,” formally called “Tree Pits.” A welcome change in our eyes, as the word Tree Beds, similar to Garden Beds, congers up images of lush plantings and promise. Nobody is going to envision these beautiful thoughts when using the word “Pits.”
The new permitting process is all online. Gone are the days where you are manually hand writing and faxing in a permit. The Parks Department implemented a permitting process to ensure the health of street trees and safety of pedestrians, while at the same time being conscious of drivers ability to exit their vehicles. The online permit can be found at https://www.nycgovparks.org/trees/tree-care/tree-guards or for street tree information in general, visit Trees New York.
Tree guards should:
- Be recessed from the street at least 12 inches (we recommend closer to 18);
- Be no shorter than 18 inches or no taller than 24 inches;
- Be made of metal;
- Allow water to freely enter the tree bed;
- Not have any sharp points;
- Not be anchored into the sidewalk; and
- Not be fastened with concrete in the tree bed.
These are all sensible criteria in our eyes. For more information about tree guards in New York visit http://www.treeguards.nyc/
Enhancing the Beauty of New York City with Tree Guards
New York City is renowned for its stunning skyline, bustling streets, and vibrant urban atmosphere. However, amidst the concrete jungle, the city is also home to a flourishing urban forest. Street trees bring life and beauty to the city’s neighborhoods, providing shade, improving air quality, and creating a sense of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle.
One significant way New York City is enhancing its urban landscape is through the implementation of modular metal tree guards like ours. These carefully designed metal structures encircle street trees, serving multiple purposes that contribute to the city’s overall beauty and charm.
First and foremost, tree guards offer protection. In a bustling metropolis like New York, street trees are vulnerable to accidental damage from vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, and other urban activities. Tree guards act as a physical barrier, safeguarding these valuable green assets from potential harm. By preventing direct contact and providing a safe zone around the tree, tree guards help preserve the health and longevity of street trees, ensuring they continue to grace the city for generations to come.
Moreover, our tree guards offer an opportunity for creative expression. These metal enclosures are made to be aesthetically pleasing and customizable, allowing for unique designs that reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood. From intricate patterns to artistic motifs, tree guards can be adorned with elements that harmonize with the city’s architecture, adding a touch of elegance and visual interest to the streetscape.
Tree guards also create a sense of order and cohesion within the urban landscape. By defining the boundaries of the tree bed, they provide a clear distinction between the pedestrian pathway and the area designated for the tree’s growth. This delineation not only helps to guide foot traffic but also contributes to the overall organization and cleanliness of the city streets. Well-designed and properly maintained tree guards contribute to a sense of pride and care for the surrounding community, enhancing the overall beauty of New York City.
Furthermore, tree guards foster a connection between nature and the city environment. As pedestrians stroll along the sidewalks, the presence of tree guards draws attention to the majestic trees they protect. These visual cues serve as a reminder of the importance of urban greening and the role that nature plays in creating a livable cityscape. The juxtaposition of metal and foliage creates a captivating contrast, inviting passersby to pause, appreciate, and engage with the natural world amidst the urban setting.