New York City Releases List of Most Significant Trees: 61 Plants with Unusual Histories
'09.10.2024'
ForumDaily New York
NYC Parks has updated its complete list of New York City's most significant trees for the first time in 40 years. Time-out tells about the best of the best among them.
The list was determined using comprehensive measures including historical, cultural and botanical significance.
The 61 trees were chosen from more than 270 submitted by the public. The final selection was made by a panel of experts and leaders from various fields, including historians, writers, professors and others. In the end, it became clear that not all trees have what it takes to be considered the best in New York.
Who's on the list?
A further 59 were added to the group of 1985 existing records of significant trees that were selected in 61.
Among the newcomers to the rating:
- American Elm in Mapes Park in the Bronx. The neighborhood has rallied around this tree to save it;
- The ginkgo tree on MacDonough Street in Bed-Stuy stands next to the United Order of Tent's mansion, a fraternal order of black women. It is more than 150 years old;
- The Osage Orange Tree in Manhattan's Marcus Garvey Park boasts a form that has inspired works of art;
- tulip tree in Alley Pond Park in Queens. This wood an impressive 350 years.
On the subject: Trees in New York do not clean, but pollute the air: why does this happen?
To see a full map of the city's significant trees with descriptions, click here.
Trees as a symbol of the city
New Yorkers have always loved their trees. Living near a park is a status symbol. The tree ranking feels like a celebration of greenery as an integral part of the city's ecosystem and character.
“New York City’s trees are an important part of the cultural and historic fabric of our neighborhoods and communities. Passionate New Yorkers submitted nominations for the trees they love,” said Sue Donohue, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. “When the original list was created in 1985, New Yorkers could hardly have imagined the changes we would see in our city. Over the years, our trees have served as neighborhood landmarks, historical reminders, and unique symbols of our diverse urban forest. We are so grateful to the New Yorkers who submitted nominations and to our panel of experts for their time to review the nominations and make selections for this historic new collection.”
By some estimates, there are more than 666 trees scattered throughout the city.