Cutting and removal of the historic Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) on Franklin Ave, downtown Flushing by NYC Parks Forestry in early November was prompted by the continuum of allowed blatant and egregious construction impacts upon an invaluable public tree asset, the absence of effective interventions by those in charge when they had the opportunity to do so (NYC Parks Forestry) as well the use of legal action against the perpetrators of tree abuse when it was occurring (NYC School Construction Authority), despite a community rally with the then City Council Member Liu to ensure tree preservation by those agencies.
It is clear NYC Parks forestry operations are not in the public tree protection and preservation business despite their core mission statement that directs them to do so. No wonder we are loosing many of our most important and invaluable large public trees.
Who then speaks for the trees?
Attached: The last views of this aged rare historic street tree.
Carsten Glaeser
21 comments:
How old was the tree?
I recall the rally and the promise that the tree will not be cut. So did they notify CB7 and Councilman Koo before cutting?
The tree was about 85 years old. A shame.
Carsten,
Was this Elm not effected by the blight "Dutch Elm Disease"? It looked to be in good shape despite the majority of Elm's being killed by the disease.
Look at the cracks in the center of the trunk.
A real nasty storm or microburst would have toppled the huge tree.
Just think of the damage, injuries, and lives saved!
I am sure the wood will be used in a beautiful fireplace keeping a lovely family cozy and warm.
Just think of all the leaves and branches that are in the compost pile right now, rotting and decaying, becoming the nutritious supliment for the next sapling.
Now there is hopefully room on the sidewalk for people to get by comfortably, and room on the curb for people to get out of their cars.
We now have many years before we trip on the sidewalk ruined by tree roots.
Remember that the mighty Oak was once a nut, just like those reading and posting here.
Always look on the bright side of life...
You sound like a fine walnut yourself fella.
Asian no like tree.
Build a "Great Wall" around downtown Flooshing and be done with it already.
It might wind up to be a great tourist attraction.
On one day there are complaints of tree roots breaking the sidewalk and who is going to pay for it, the next day there is a 'historic tree' diatribe.
I think that counts as officially jumping the shark.
Happy Birthday. Curmudgeons everywhere rejoice.
This tree wasn't breaking the sidewalk, so what's your point?
Hey,
At least there isnt a Flooshing Arsonist.
..............
yet.
Historic trees are only historic until they fall on a person or property. Then they are hazards and a financial liability.
If the Elm tree wasn't in Elmhurst who really cares?
Hey Anon,
If you look carefully, you will see that the concrete is relatively new.
I can say with great certitude that the original tree pit was NOT 6 feet wide by 7 feet long.
Recently (note recently) tree pits have been trimmed with expensive Belgian blocks to buy a bit more time before the concrete contractor returns.
I wonder (rhetorically of course) if the newer concrete and Belgian blocks was because the old concrete was lifted and replaced because of the uplifting from the tree roots.
With the Dutch Elm Disease these trees rarely make it to 100 years. So this is not the earth shattering tragedy being discussed. Trees grow, trees die. We grow, We die. The circle of life (as the music plays in the background). Did you not get to see the "Lion King"? Check it out.
So we will have a new pretty tree as soon as forestry gets their stump grinder fixed and working, catch up on the backlog. Figure about three to four years from now.
When they plant the new one, all the politicians can stand there for the cameras with the shiny ceremonial shovels and speak about how wonderful they are, helping to plant trees and save the planet. Some politicians are so fascinated with shiny things.
A new tree will be planted - do not worry...
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...
And...
...always look on the bright side
of life...
(Whistle)
Always look on the light side
of life...
(Whistle)
If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle
- that's the thing.
And...always look on the bright
side of life...
(Whistle)
Come on.
Always look on the right side
of life...
(Whistle)
For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain
with a bow
Forget about your sin - give the
audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance
anyhow.
So always look on the bright side
of death...
(Whistle)
a-Just before you draw your terminal breath...
(Whistle)
Life's a piece of shit, when you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see its all a show, keep 'em laughin as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you
And...
Always look on the bright side
of life...
(Whistle)
Always look on the right side
of life...
C'mon Brian, cheer up
Always look on the bright side
of life...
Always look on the bright side
of life...
Worse things happen at sea you know.
I mean - what have you got to lose?
You know, you come from nothing
- you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing.
Always look on the right side
(I mean) of life...
what have you got to lose?
You know, you come from nothing
- you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost?
Always (Nothing.) look on the right side of life...
Nothing will come from nothing ya know what they say?
Cheer up ya old bugga c'mon give us a grin!
There ya go, see!
Always look on the right side of life...
(Cheer up ya old bugga c'mon give us a grin! At same time)
There ya go, see!
Songwriters
ERIC IDLE
Read more: Monty Python - Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life Lyrics | MetroLyrics
WHO PUT BELLA IN THE WITCH ELM???
When John Liu was the Councilman, a rally was held to save the Wych elm. Still waiting for the lighting of the menorah and the Christmas tree in downtown Flushing this year. It's as if downtown Flushing has become a foreign country
The Larch...The larch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug8nHaelWtc
Seeing that this tree stood near an elementary school, replacing it with the same tree species could be part of a civics lesson for the students.
Some have pointed the finger at Tommy Huang as Flushing's early arsonist. Continental Fruit Market on Main St. In the early 80s.
That burned down site became The Great Eastern Bank who John Liu's father, Joseph Liu, became a Vice President of. Joe was convicted of federal bank fraud charges. The Liu Family is related to Tommy Huang. So there yo have it. Connect the dots to verify what has not been fully pictured.
Just another tree down in Flooshing. Asian no like tree.
Remember the very old Mulberry tree at the southeast corner of Sanford and Kissena in front of the old Franklin apartment complex? That was also axed to build some ugly infill commercial crap.
Forget about the Dutch Elm disease. The Asian long horn beetle has destroyed a lot of U.S. hardwood tree species since it first arrived here. You wonder if it could not have been introduced to affect our lumber industry deliberately. In the world of economic competition, anything is possible from industrial spying to sabotage.
There were originall two of those trees flanking an old house that is the site of that school.
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