"We want to break the stereotype of New York as skyscrapers and sidewalks," Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said. "New York abounds in historical trees."
The target trees, five in each of New York's five boroughs, include nine different species. All were selected by borough foresters as historical for having existed for at least a century -- either as fixtures of the urban landscape or as having special significance to local communities.
Back to the Future: NYC Clones Historic Trees
Janet Bornancin, executive director of the Wheaton, Ill.-based Tree Fund, a research and education organization, said studies show trees live an average of 80 years in forests, 50 years in parks and about seven years on city streets.
Environmental pressures on the latter include air pollution, road salt, tightly packed, nutrient-poor soil and cramped space for root growth -- even wrapping holiday lights too tightly, she said.
"Every time a jet aircraft flies over the city it drops kerosene that damages trees," McMaster added.
Hmmm...With 2 airports in the borough, just think of what it's doing to us! As for the trees, why are we cloning historic specimens but cutting down healthy forests such as those at the Ridgewood Reservoir?
Photo from Documentary Works