Dangerous Tree

My wife Janet, my family, my friends, my neighbors, and I (continuous full time resident of Manhasset for over 32 years) are concerned about a dead tree that is located near the curb at 127 Knickerbocker Road, Manhasset. I called 311 today in reference to a previous call I made on Aug. 8 concerning case number 38332, i.e., the dead tree. I was told by the 311 agent that the town inspected the tree and will be responsible for “trimming” branches from the tree. Although we appreciate the town’s responsibility for the tree we are left to question as to how trimming a dead tree of its branches will prevent the dead tree from falling. The tree in question is a dead pine tree, (all of the pine needles are rust brown, some limbs devoid of any pine needles, the limbs are decaying and falling onto the roadway piecemeal). The tree is large, approximately 60 to 80 feet high with the girth of 103 inches, and is located near the roadway. We would like to believe that the concern that the Town of North Hempstead has for the safety of its residents relating to fallen trees as reported in the Aug. 7 – Aug. 13, 2013, page 8, edition of the Manhasset Press, which was as follows: “If a homeowner is concerned about a tree that looks like it might fall onto their property, then we’ll cut it down and remove it” is still applicable.
Also a reminder as to the seriousness of this situation, the Manhasset Times report on Sept. 13, 2013, on page 8, that four injuries requiring medial attention were due to a large falling oak limb that occurred at 19 Maple Drive in North New Hyde Park. The newspaper article quoted one remark made by an involved person concerning the Town of North Hempstead as “they’re negligent,” and another person remarked that, “the town has done a good job of taking down trees that looked dangerous.” Negligence or not, the newspaper article serves as a reminder that dead trees have the potential of causing grave harm and should be dealth with on a priority basis.
Another more recent reminder of the potential hazard resulting from a tree falling came to mind after my wife and I viewed the first episode of the new TV season of Chicago Fire. As reported by CNN on Sept. 9 actress Molly Glynn, who played an emergency room doctor on several Chicago Fire episodes, died from injuries after a tree fell on her during a storm.
Our concern is obviously the safety and well-being of pedestrians and motorists who pass under the dead tree. The next series of winter storms will likely have the potential to cause the tree to fall. We are concerned, therefore we request that the town cut down and remove the tree.
Thank you again for your concern for public safety.
Janet and Wayne Plattner