Magnolia Grandiflora

I hope this beautiful and important heritage site will be valued and financially supported by the city.

As an arborist and concerned citizen, I am writing to express significant concern for the health and well-being of the Magnolia Grandiflora in Brooklyn, NY, and my discontent at the reckless renovation workers who are displaying very little regard for the safety of the tree.

It is clear to anyone who has been observing the renovation work that the contractors hired to undertake the project are not taking the necessary precautions to protect the tree. Heavy machinery and construction equipment have been placed dangerously close to the tree, with no regard for the potential damage they could cause to the tree's roots or the trunk itself. The workers have been trampling the roots and soil around the tree, which can cause irreparable harm.

The Magnolia Grandiflora is an iconic tree, and it is critical that we do everything in our power to protect it. It is disheartening to see that the workers undertaking the renovations seem to care very little for its health or well-being. Their actions are putting this magnificent tree at risk, and this is not acceptable..

A magnolia tree on Lafayette Avenue, between Marcy and Tompkins avenues in Bed-Stuy, is one if only two trees that have been designated as New York City landmarks. This tree was planted in 1885 by William Lemke from a seedling brought back from North Carolina.