Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) traveled the neighborhood during last month’s windstorms, inspecting the numerous trees which fell in the high winds. He noticed that a high percentage of such fallen trees were Sycamore trees and realized that the trees were not properly maintained. This prompted him to have his staff research Sycamore trees.

"Sycamore trees can add scenery to the landscape, with their ashy white bark and lush green plants. The average Sycamore tree is 40-100feet in height and the tree canopy can spread to 40-70 feet in width. It's a fast-growing tree and can grow more than two feet a year. Sycamore trees are known for their root problems. They must be planted at least 15 feet from a house or sidewalk. Planting Sycamore trees too close to surrounding structures not only threatens the tree’s health but will also damage home waterlines, sewer lines, foundations, driveways, and paved areas Sycamore trees are also vulnerable to fungal diseases. As the tree ages, fungus attacks and consumes the heartwood, and the tree becomes weak and hollow. The tree starts to develop multiple trunks which provides food and nesting sites for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife,” Colton stated.

"Another problem with Sycamore trees is related to their seed balls, twigs, and bark strips. The tiny hairs on the seed balls that shed in the spring can irritate eyes and skin and can cause respiratory distress if inhaled, especially in people who have chronic asthma. Sycamore trees are native to lowland areas, they grow along streams, rivers, and flood plains and that’s where they belong, not in residential areas. In NYC Sycamore trees are planted on every residential block, and it is the Department of Parks' responsibility to take proper care of them. Therefore, I am calling on the NYC Department of Parks to appropriately fertilize and regularly prune these trees. Diseased branches must be removed to avoid unnecessary problems and tragedies especially during storms and high winds," Colton added.