VILLAGE TRIVIA

A Tree Guard Becomes Gobbled

Text and photos By Brian J. Pape, AIA

Street trees have a hard time surviving in the harsh urban settings of New York City, and Greenwich Village is no exception. In fact, it may be worse here due to the narrowness of many sidewalks and the small tree pits saved for their roots to grow.

Remarkably, some trees do manage to prosper, despite all odds. This London Plane tree was planted years ago, as a sapling, just as others are being planted today. These trees seem to have stood the test of time and climate, as they remain park favorites.

This particular tree was carefully protected as a sapling by a tall metal fence guard, meant to avoid car bumpers from scraping the tree bark. With four vertical bars on each of four sides, held in place by two horizontal bars at about 2’ and 4’ height, the fence has stood guard steadfastly for many years.

What has happened as the tree has grown strong and mighty over the years is that no one has noticed that the treee guard has squeezed against the tree trunk, and no one has expanded the fence to allow room from the tree.

Did the tree say to itself, “Well, I guess I’ll have to stop growing, since the tree guard is not going to get any bigger?” No. Rather, the tree just did what it was meant to do, to grow to its intended size, engulfing the tree guard into its trunk almost entirely.

Do you know where to find this hardy tree and its guard? Scroll down for the answer!

 

 

 

 

 

TRIVIA ANSWER

This mighty tree and its pit is located at 55 Morton Street, a particularly quaint part of Village streets. The tree has not avoided all indignities, for besides the girdling guard, the trunk has been split open on this side, although it has tried to close the wound. It remains a sentry for the street, year ‘round.

One Sunday in mid-December, New York was blessed with a rare winter scene. Moisture-laden snowfall during the early morning hours had clung to everything it touched, giving every tree and bush a cake icing from nature. The pure white coating brightened every street and every park as the sun rose that morning in the cold temperatures.

It seemed no one could resist snapping photos of the unusual scene, for it was a sight to behold. For some visitors, it might have been their first experience with snow (can you imagine?) but even for a northern boy like me, it brought beautiful memories of childhood to mind. And now, this too is an unforgettable memory to keep.