Author Gail Karlsson set out to learn about the trees in New York’s City Hall Park in lower Manhattan, and found some fascinating new friends and neighbors.

After almost 40 years living across the street, she decided to get to know the trees in connection with a project for the Friends of City Hall Park. It turned out to be quite challenging, as there was no easy source of accurate information for some of the ornamental trees planted in the park.

She encourages us to get acquainted with the trees in our own neighborhoods, and to appreciate the many ways they support us and grace our lives.

“Often I stood in front of a tree for a long time circling around searching for clues in its branches, or on the ground. Sometimes I spoke to the trees, asking for information or admiring their beauty. I touched their bark and caressed their leaves. It seemed like I could feel their energy. Some of them became special friends and I was eager to sit and visit with them when I went out to the park.”

“Trees from around the world have been planted in the park, and their lives are in many ways controlled by people. Yet even though they may have little in common, they still form a community, connected with each other – and with us too, as neighbors.” 

“When I was getting familiar with the different trees, one particular elm seemed to have a sassy face on it. Then I began to see expressive looks on many of the other trees. Wow, I thought, they’re looking back at me. How do they feel about me, I wondered. About us. About their lives in New York City.”

“Some of them must have seen successions of Mayors, City Council members and government officials, plus thousands of public events – demonstrations and protests, celebrations and parades. Witness trees.” 

“It’s common now to reference the ways trees communicate with each other, through underground networks of fungi or airborne chemical signals. Walking among the trees is touted as good for our immune systems. All those airborne chemicals and the cooling, calming shade. However, more important, I think is that trees are able to use the magic of photosynthesis to create energy and matter from light, supporting life on earth, including ours, and producing oxygen for us to breathe.”

“I invite you to introduce yourself to a tree, any tree, and get to know it better. Maybe say thanks.”

The trees in City Hall Park include beech, buckeye, catalpa, cedar, cherry, crabapple, crape myrtle, dawn redwood, dogwood, elm, gingko, hawthorn, holly, horse chestnut, linden, London plane, magnolia, maple, oak, pine, plum redbud, snowbell, spruce, Sweetgum, tupelo, viburnum, and more.