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Sustainibility 

Our sustainability initiatives are designed to maintain our streetscape and improve the resiliency of our neighborhood trees for a greener and healthier Carnegie Hill.

 

At Carnegie Hill Neighbors, we believe tree-lined streets are a powerful sign of a well-cared-for neighborhood. They strengthen community identity, boost local pride, and can even help deter crime and loitering. Trees also clean our air, support mental well-being, and invite people outdoors—ensuring a greener, healthier Carnegie Hill for generations to come.

Expanding tree beds and installing tree guards are two actions taken to improve the health and protection of street trees in urban environments:

Expading Tree Beds

  • What it means: Increasing the size of the soil area around the base of a street tree.

  • Why it's done: Gives tree roots more room to grow, improves water absorption, reduces soil compaction, and supports healthier tree growth.

  • Benefits:

    • Better access to air, water, and nutrients

    • Improved tree longevity and resilience

    • Room for additional plantings like flowers or ground cover

Installing Tree Guards

  • What it means: Placing protective barriers (usually metal or high-density plastic) around the perimeter of a tree bed.

  • Why it's done: Shields young or vulnerable trees from damage caused by pedestrians, dogs, bikes, and vehicles.

  • Benefits:

    • Prevents soil compaction and root damage

    • Discourages littering and trampling

    • Helps define the space as a cared-for area

New and Expanded
Tree Guards
around PS 198 / PS 77

A major accomplishment this spring, led by CHN’s Street Tree Care Committee, was the installation of 25 new street tree guards around the square block encompassing PS 198, PS 77, their shared playground, and Samuel Seabury Playground—made possible through environmental funding secured by local elected officials.

 

In April 2025, Carnegie Hill Neighbors proudly joined City Council Members Keith Powers and Julie Menin, along with the PS 198/PS 77 community, to celebrate this milestone and honor the leadership of Street Tree Care Chair Virginia Pitman at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

New Tree Guards and Expanded Tree Beds Around
Hunter High School 

A year ago, CHN expanded the tree beds and installed 28 new custom HDPE tree guards around Hunter High School. Each guard was designed and fabricated in New York City by City Tree Guards, a small business committed to sustainable solutions.

This project highlights the power of community-driven action to enhance and protect our urban environment. With support from District 4 Council Member Keith Powers, Greener NYC, and an engaged local community, the effort reflects a shared commitment to building a greener, healthier neighborhood.

Since 1977, Hunter College High School has served approximately 1,500 students as a publicly funded Pre-K–12 institution. The school is housed in a historic building that once served as the headquarters of Squadron A of the Eighth Regiment Armory; its Madison Avenue façade was designated a landmark in 1966.

Tree Pruning 

Tree pruning is the process of selectively removing certain parts of a tree — such as branches, buds, or roots — to improve the tree’s health, structure, safety, and appearance. Regular care—including pruning, mulching, and disease management—helps trees thrive despite the stress of pollution, salt, limited soil, and compacted roots common in city environments.

Carnegie Hill Neighbors partners with Trees New York to offer a tree care and pruning course that leads to a pruning license. 

Quick Links:

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Street Tree Pruning Days:
A CHN Tradition in

Full Bloom

A few times a year, our CHN Street Tree Care Committee takes to the sidewalks for energetic pruning outings!​ Each session brings together 8 to 12 neighbors—some seasoned, some snipping for the first time—who carefully pruned trees along Madison Avenue and surrounding blocks from Fifth to Lexington.

 

We don't stop at branches—volunteers also cultivate tree bed soil and hand out CHN’s Street Tree Tips cards to building staff, letting them know we’re licensed pruners working to keep Carnegie Hill green and growing.

These volunteers also report empty tree beds and dead trees to the Parks Department and advocate for replacements. Thanks to their efforts and support from various sources, nearly 50 new trees have been planted in Carnegie Hill over the past two years.

Our pruning crew is proudly local, including four CHN Board Members and several talented pruners from Trees New York’s network (thanks to Julia Bradford!) These outings are a beautiful blend of community, care, and camaraderie—one tree at a time. Not ready to prune? You can still join our Street Tree Care Committee—no license required, just a passion for helping street trees thrive.

Quality of Life Ambassadors
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Lynden Miller

 A public garden designer, parks advocate and author.

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Mark Goldsmith

Co-Founder, President, and CEO Emeritus Getting Out and Staying Out 

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Ginger Pitman

Co-Chair of the CHN Street Tree Care Committee

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Office

1326 Madison Ave
Garden Level

New York, NY 10128

Reach out 

Email info@chneighbors.org

Call  (212) 996-5520

Join our mailing list

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© 2025 Carnegie Hill Neighbors. 

All Rights Reserved.

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