Bronxville residents can apply for a new street tree planted in front of their property, funded by a $150,000 partnership between the Village and the Bronxville Historical Conservancy.
The Village mailed letters the week of Monday, Sept. 28 to 240 property owners identified as having prime locations for new native canopy trees, according to myHometown Bronxville. Applications received by Friday, Oct. 9 will get priority for fall planting. The program will continue accepting applications after that date, but only while funding lasts.
Mayor Mary Marvin signed the letters on behalf of all Village trustees. The Village and the Conservancy each put up $75,000 for the Tree Fund.
The program offers three ways to participate, according to the Village's program page:
- Cost-share: The Village pays half the cost of a larger native canopy tree and its installation, up to $2,500. The resident covers the rest.
- Fully funded waiting list: The Village installs a smaller, younger canopy tree at no cost to the resident.
- Self-funded: A resident pays the full cost of an approved planting, freeing program dollars for trees elsewhere in the Village.
Trees go in the Village right-of-way, which in most locations covers roughly the first 10 feet in front of a property. Corner lots may get a tree along the side. All planted trees remain Village property.
Residents are asked to help with watering while a new tree gets established. The Village can reject an application if the site is unsuitable or funds run out. Preference goes to spots not directly under utility wires.
A volunteer team identified the 240 target properties. The group included Green Committee chair Ellen Edwards, Conservancy members Jack Bierwith, Peggy Conway, Bill Fredericks, Marilyn Hill, Saskia Martin and James Purdy, and Mayor Emerita Nancy Hand.
Conservancy co-chair Suzanne Davis said the organization views renewing the native tree canopy as central to preserving Bronxville's character and called the partnership with Village Hall an important project.
Assistant Village Administrator Thomas Morzello said the response has been strong. "The idea of planting more neighborhood trees has been very well received, and our goal is to plant as many as possible this fall," Morzello said.
The deadline matters. Many of Bronxville's mature trees date to the Village's residential growth in the 1920s, and age and storms have thinned the canopy. The program targets native species like oaks, beeches, sugar maples and sycamores to rebuild it.
Apartment residents who want a tree in an adjacent Village right-of-way can also contact Village Hall, though details may need to be coordinated with building management.
Applications are available online at the Village website or by calling Morzello at 914-337-6500.
