Street trees give so much to our neighborhoods. They cool our streets, clean our air, and bring life to the places we walk every day. However, city trees also face numerous challenges, including compacted soil, litter, and damage from cars or foot traffic. That’s why tree guards are so important. These small structures make a big difference, helping protect trees so they can stay strong and healthy for years to come. Tree guards prevent pedestrians from walking on tree beds, which otherwise causes soil compaction and blocks tree roots from receiving nutrients, oxygen, and water. Guards keep bikes and car doors away, and discourage dog waste and vandalism.
Over the past seven months, the Big Reuse Street Tree Care team has been working with local youth to install 35 new tree guards across Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Gowanus, Boerum Hill, East New York, Park Slope, and Midwood. Through this project, 145 youth participants had the chance to learn about caring for trees, how to install tree guards, and the importance of protecting green spaces in their communities. The installs were made possible thanks to funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the support of our incredible partners: Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), Green Guerillas, East New York Farms, BASE High School, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Clarkson Neighbors, PS 118 and PTA, Brooklyn College Campus Sustainability, and TREEage Brooklyn Youth group.
For many of our Big Reuse tree team staff, seeing youth in action was one of the most inspiring parts of the project. “Working with NYC high school students was genuinely so fun and inspiring,” shared Maric Kusinitz. “I was impressed to see them self-managing and being both unafraid and careful while using tools like drills and sledgehammers. While installing a tree guard they managed to keep up their conversations and endless laughter while also mindfully practicing their skills. Their enthusiasm, interest, and dedication to the project was refreshing. I love seeing youth leadership in action — they are our future!”
gil lopez shared a similar reflection on the impact of this work. “Partnering with schools and other organizations working with SYEP teams has been so fun and rewarding. Witnessing young people learn new skills and apply them in real-time over the course of one or two construction sessions has been a highlight of my professional life. The joy these young people bring to the work and the appreciation after a few hours of successfully building these tree guards is not something you typically find in the average day-to-day work.”
Funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) continues to make this work possible. Over the next few months, Big Reuse will continue installing 15 more tree guards with the help of youth and community partners. Each event gives young people the chance to connect with their environment, build new skills, and see the difference they can make in their own community. Together, we’re showing how caring for even one tree can strengthen an entire community. Every guard installed is a reminder that when we work together, our neighborhoods grow greener, stronger, and more connected.
Want to volunteer? Attend one of our upcoming street tree care events.