Why are so many trees on Lincoln dying?

I noticed the other day that two more street trees on Lincoln Road—on the south side, near Ocean Avenue—have died. If I'm remembering correctly, these trees were healthy last season. I think they were among the batch planted about three years ago, after construction on Lincoln ended. Around the corner, on Ocean Avenue, an older tree is dying and the one next to it seems to be headed toward the same fate. I have no idea what kind of trees these are, but here's a detail of the sick leaves.

Further down Lincoln (around 40 Lincoln), another young tree—which appeared healthy last season—is on its last few limbs. The one next to it died a couple of years ago but was replaced with a new tree this spring, thanks to the Million Trees Project.

As someone who asked the City to replace the dead tree (using the handy Million Trees form), I now feel partly responsible to help keep it and the others alive. If anyone has a clue, please say so in the comments, and let us know if anything can be done.

Comments

[murray]

I more than wholeheartedly agree, we should all tend to water, fertilize, and care for new trees on our blocks. They are why we live.

[Cambridge Homes]

I've noticed with dismay dying and dead street trees in my neighborhood. After getting a new tree planted in my yard I've come to realize how fragile they are in the first few years. My city doesn't seem to have any program in place to water them and they do need to be watered regularly. Sometimes I'm tempted to water the ones near me but I'm not sure if my neighbors already have.

I've seen signs mentioning an Adopt-a-Tree program in the next town over and think that might be a good solution. It takes so long for a tree to grow we can't keep letting them die!

Liz

[widget]

In NYC, the city parks department offers a 'tree stewardship workshop', where they teach people how to care for young street trees, and they also provide some supplies.

More info here:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/trees_greenstreets/ny_tree_trust/stewardship.html

[Nethermeade]

A happy note: the young tree on Lincoln Road closest to the intersection with Ocean Ave. is showing signs of life, albeit in an odd way. Healthy leaves have sprung out from low branches near the trunk. The upper canopy is still bare, although it looks like there may be some buds. I don't know what this means about the overall health or potential longevity of the tree, but it's gotta mean she ain't dead yet!