Tree Project Update
 

We'd like to thank BHA's Tree Committee and especially the community volunteers for the magnificent job they have done organizing and gathering data on all the tree pits in the neighborhood.
By the Numbers
  • We divided the neighborhood into 84 blocks; only 3 blocks remain to be surveyed.
  • 66 volunteers measured and photographed 1,424 tree pits.
  • 655 of these tree pits are smaller than the recommended 25 square feet. Tree pits which are too small inhibit tree growth and health, and can cause sidewalk problems. 
  • 445 of these small tree pits are good candidates for enlargement. They are on concrete sidewalks -- not bluestone -- and there is currently a tree planted in the space.
  • 140 of the total 1,424 tree pits are currently tree-less.
The Next Step
 

Our first priority is enlarging the tree pits. 

Why? NYC Parks does plant trees, and in most cases, it is relatively simple for homeowners to plant them on their own, but it is much more complicated to enlarge a tree pit. In addition to finding an experienced contractor, permits must be obtained from three separate city agencies. This is where the BHA can help the most.

Now that the numbers are in, we can identify blocks with 6 or more tree pits in need of enlarging. Once we've identified the block, the BHA will contact the owners of the buildings adjacent to those tree pits to gage their interest in participating in this project. If enough homeowners are interested on a given block, the BHA will prepare the required paperwork, find a contractor, and coordinate the work. Homeowners will be responsible for the associated costs, but the BHA will contribute, and we encourage the homeowners to use this contribution to install tree guards. 
You Can Still Volunteer
 

Preparing the paperwork for the landmarks permit application takes time! We'd love to find volunteers who would be interested in helping the BHA prepare the applications. You don't need an architectural degree, but some drawing skills are required; you will need to take more measurements and photographs to draw plans showing the tree pit and its surrounding (click here to view a sample of drawings).

Are you ready and able to make a lasting impact on the neighborhood? Questions?Please contact Katherine at kdavis@thebha.org.
 

Only with the strength and commitment of its members can the BHA be a strong advocate for the Brooklyn Heights community.
JOIN THE BHA

The work we do to keep our neighborhood trees healthy and our streets green is only possible with your support. Please contribute to our efforts.
DONATE
 

Brooklyn Heights Association
55 Pierrepont St, Box 17D
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-858-9193  info@thebha.org
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