Est. May 6, 2022 · NYC Parks #12852218
Meet Millstone, a young pagoda tree on St Marks.
She lives out front of 542 St Marks Avenue in Crown Heights. We're raising a small fund to build her a proper tree guard, plant natives at her feet, and give her a long life on the block.
About the tree
- Name
- “Millstone”
- Species
-
Japanese pagoda tree
Styphnolobium japonicum - Planted
- May 6, 2022
- Tree ID
- NYC Parks #12852218 →
- Address
- 542 St Marks Ave · Brooklyn, NY 11238
- Owner
- NYC Parks & Recreation
Why one tree, on one block, is worth protecting.
-
i.
Crown Heights is home to some of the greenest blocks in Brooklyn, with a long history of community building through green space cultivation.
-
ii.
Street trees grow much faster — and live much longer — when they're watered regularly and physically protected.
-
iii.
A single mature street tree can drop sidewalk temperatures by several degrees and reduce energy bills for the buildings behind it.
-
iv.
Trees slow stormwater runoff, easing pressure on New York City's sewer system during heavy rain.
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v.
A tree bed that's cared for tends to keep getting cared for. Guards and healthy beds set a visible standard for the block.
The project — a tree guard.
A tree guard is a low fence around the perimeter of a tree pit. It reduces soil compaction, shields the trunk from physical damage, and keeps pet waste out of the bed. Guards are proven to extend the longevity of street trees, reduce mortality rates, and create a protected space for gardening.
The tree and the pit are owned by NYC Parks & Recreation — even though she's growing right in front of our building. Parks doesn't fund guards (they're a discretionary, donation-based add-on), and property owners are responsible for the sidewalk. The guard falls into the gap between the two.
For the BJH Garden Club, protecting the work they do is challenge #1. A guard is a small, permanent way to have outsized impact on the block.
Where the money goes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| NYC Parks permit | Included |
| Circle & pickets guard — to match St Marks, Franklin & Classon | Included |
| Installation through NYC Parks | Included |
| Guard, permit & installation subtotal | $1,525 |
| Native plants — planted by BJH Garden Club | $275 |
| Goal | $1,800 |
What the guard will look like.
Circle & pickets, in the same style as guards already installed up and down St Marks, Franklin, and Classon — a quiet visual continuity for the block.
Work to be done.
Done
- Ongoing garden maintenance, weeding & care
- Mulch & soil cultivation (8/9 · BJH Garden Club)
- Temporary tree guard (542 tenant)
- Tree guard application submitted
In progress
- Tree guard installation
- Gardening & vegetation
- Informational signage
- Permanent tree guard fundraising
- Native plant & signage fundraising
Upcoming
- Regular watering (hose)
- Ongoing litter pickup
Two ways to help
Give a little. Or get involved.
Every contribution — down to $5 — moves the guard closer to installed. If you'd rather show up than chip in, DM JD on the 542 St Marks WhatsApp chat and we'll put you on the crew.