Greenstreets

 

Have you noticed the plantings in the middle of E. Houston Street between Lafayette and the East River?

Have you noticed a new tree planted on your block?
Many open spaces streets have been planted in an effort to "green" the City streets. Two examples in the East Village area are Peretz Square, which was recently enclosed and planted making the area cooler and cleaner and more pleasant, and Astor Place Greenstreet in the triangle formed by St. Marks Pl., 4th Ave. and Lafayette. This is the result of Greenstreets, an initiative started in 1984 and revived in 1994 in a joint operation of the Parks Dept. with the Department of Traffic. The goal is to convert paved streets like traffic islands and triangles, into attractive green spaces.

Our appreciation goes to Gail Wittwer, a local resident who directs this Dept of Parks program and who is a member of the East Village Parks Conservancy's Advisory Board.
Above: Looking east from Lafayette on E. Houston.

Above right: the small triangle at 2nd Ave. and E. Houston.

Right: looking east toward Red Square on E. Houston.
Caring for your Street Trees
Every year we encourage residents to take care of the trees lining their blocks. So here are some tips for those who have the inclination but don't know where to start

• Watering - check soil around trees and shrubs once a week. If the soil is dry- water until saturated.
• Weeding - weed sites at least once a month. Pull weeds up by their roote to completely eliminate them
• Waste - wear gloves to remove and dispose of waste.

To report excessive waste or illegal dumping, call 1-800-201-PARK

If you have questions, need information or want to volunteer, call the New York Tree Trust at 212-360-TREE

You can also become a Citizen Pruner and be licensed to help prune and care for the smaller street trees in the City.
Call Trees New York at 212-227-1887
Click here for information about this program
Adopt a Tree
If you have more than an inclination, you can take on the care of one special tree right outside your place of residence. Here's how to get best responses from your pet tree:

• Watering - slowly apply 15-20 gallons once a week from May through September.
• Cultivating - gently loosen the top two inches of soil. Plant small annual flowers. Spread three inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk (very important!)
• Caring - keep garbage and dog waste out of the tree pit. During winter, keep de-icing salt away from the tree.

Courtesy: NYC Parks & Recreation

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