542 St Marks Ave · Crown Heights, Brooklyn
A tree guard for the pagoda tree on our block.
We're raising funds for a permanent tree guard and native plants for the young Japanese pagoda tree (a ‘Millstone’ cultivar) in front of 542 St Marks Avenue.
About our tree
- Species
- Japanese pagoda tree
- Cultivar
- Styphnolobium japonicum ‘Millstone’
- Planted
- May 6, 2022
- NYC Parks ID
- 12852218
Why it matters
- Crown Heights is home to some of the greenest blocks in Brooklyn, and has a long history of community building through green space cultivation.
- Street trees grow much faster and are happier when watered regularly and protected.
- A single mature street tree can drop pavement and sidewalk temps by several degrees and reduce energy bills.
- Trees slow stormwater runoff, easing pressure on NYC's sewer system during heavy rain.
- Every protected, thriving tree adds to the block's canopy — and canopy is what makes a block “green.”
- A tree bed that's cared for tends to get more cared for. Guards and healthy beds set a visible standard for the block and for our community.
The project — tree guard
Tree guards are fences around the perimeter of a tree pit. They reduce soil compaction, shield from physical damage, and prevent toxic pet waste from entering the tree pit. Tree guards are proven to extend the longevity of trees, reduce mortality rates, and create a protected bed for gardening.
In the work that the BJH garden club does to green-ify the block, protecting and maintaining the work they do is their #1 challenge. Tree guard funding and organization is a way to have massive impact on our block.
The tree and the tree pit are owned by NYC Parks & Recreation, even though it's right outside our building. But Parks doesn't fund tree guards — they are a discretionary, donation-based add-on — and while property owners are responsible for the sidewalk, a tree guard falls into a gap between the two.
- Covers
- Permit, guard, and installation through NYC Parks.
- Style
- Circle & pickets, to align with those already on St Marks, Franklin, and Classon.
- Funds to raise
- $1,525 for the guard, permit, and installation. Plus $400 for native plants, which we'll work with the BJH Garden Club to plant.
Reference guards on the block
Work to be done
Done
- Mulch & soil cultivation (8/9, BJH garden club)
- Tree guard application (approved!)
In progress
- Temporary tree guard (542 tenant)
- Tree guard installation
- Gardening & vegetation
- Informational signage
- Ongoing garden maintenance, weeding & care
- Permanent tree guard fundraising
- Native plant & signage fundraising
Upcoming
- Regular watering (hose)
- Ongoing litter pickup
Get involved
If you'd like to donate, or if you'd also like to help with the project, contact JD on the WhatsApp building chat.