Metro Construction Notice: Planned Tree Replacement

April 14, 2025

As paper street improvements continue as part of The Metro project, two pine trees will be removed to accommodate new curbing adjacent with Barmann Park. These trees will be replaced with shade trees to enhance the area’s greenspace and provide an area of respite during the sunny summer months when the park is most active. In accordance with the City of Kingston’s regulations for its publicly owned property, the tree removal was reviewed and approved by the Kingston Tree Commission on April 10th , 2025.

The decision to remove the trees was made after plans for the new curb location along Barmann Park would require removing at least 30% of the root system and large, critical roots within three feet of the two pines’ trunks. Damage to roots in those areas would cause significant stress to the tree, as well as a loss of structural stability, increasing the likelihood of the tree dying and/or falling.

If the trees were retained in this location and supported through the critical root loss, the new parking spaces would conflict with the current branches, requiring pruning of over 50 percent of the top of the tree. Branch regrowth after pruning could turn into frequent management to not further conflict with parking.

There is ample room for new trees to replace the two existing pine trees. Plans are underway to install three new trees, aligning with The Metro’s project goal of a net tree increase. The proposed replacement trees will be provided per the guidance, recommendation and approval of the City of Kingston Urban Forestry department.

For any immediate safety concerns related to construction, please call PC Construction at 845-779-2477. For general inquiries about The Metro project, please reach out to [email protected]