R.I.P. Myrtle Street Trees

Myrtle Avenue has recently seen two street tree casualties. On Tuesday, a street tree between Hall and Washington was struck and about a month ago, another young tree’s trunk was split between Vanderbilt and Clermont. These trees were amazing additions to our Avenue; they worked to improve the neighborhood in every way possible and, sadly, were plucked too soon from our world.

Today, to memorialize Myrtle’s beloved street trees and to encourage tree love in the neighborhood, we have prepared a list of a few of the benefits of street trees:

• Street trees extend the life span of our infrastructure, in some cases by 40 to 60%. They absorb precipitation, allowing it to evaporate back in the atmosphere, minimizing storm water runoff. They also shade the pavement and asphalt, which reduces heat, and all of the expansions, contractions and cracks that accompany it.

• Street trees raise property values and profits (businesses on streets with trees show 20% higher incomes). Not only do they help you earn, they help you save. Overtime, trees reduce required street maintenance and, by providing shade and cool air, they save you money on energy bills.

• Street trees are good for you inside and out (they block the sun and lower your blood pressure). They also lower the air temperature (5-15 degree temperature differentials are felt under trees), protect you from the elements and reduce harm from tailpipe emissions and ozone (pollutants linked to asthma) by converting these dangerous gasses back to oxygen. That is good for you and good for the environment.

• On trees with streets motorists and pedestrians enjoy a higher level of security. Treescaped streets facilitate slower traffic and create well defined roadways. As a pedestrian, this distinct edge protects you from car traffic and provides a pleasant space to stroll the avenue.

In honor of our fallen trees, I encourage you to request a street tree for your block! Call 311 to request a tree or report any tree damage.