Storm Causes Historic Tree Loss
The fierce 70 mph wind storm that blew through the upper west side of Manhattan the night of August 18, 2009, took out the big Sophora Japonica tree over the pavilion at the midpoint in the Garden and heavily damaged the other Sophora Tree. Also heavily damaged was the big Persimmon tree by the Children’s garden on 90th Street. Hundreds of trees were damaged in the storm corridor between 90th and 104th Street in Riverside and Central Park as well as on Randall’s Island.
The Garden’s downed Sophora tree was removed August 19, by Stuart Goldstein of A & S Tree Service. The remaining Sophora Tree is listing and may need to be removed.
The two Sophora trees, also known as “Japanese Scholar Trees,” are in the pea or legume family. They were in the original Garden, which was founded in 1975 and were preserved during the 1987-88 construction of the permanent West Side Community Garden site. Generations of Gardeners enjoyed their lovely height and light shade.
