Queens Resident Faces Tree Hazard, Calls for Urgent Action

Manmohan Singh Ghimire, a long-time resident of Glendale, Queens, and a member of the local Nepali community, narrowly avoided a serious incident this weekend when a large tree branch fell onto his property, damaging his home. The branch, which Ghimire had previously reported as dangerous, fell just minutes after his family had been playing outside, highlighting a near-tragic scenario.

Reflecting on the event, Ghimire shared, “I was in that exact spot not long before the branch came down. Thankfully, my family had gone inside, or this could have ended very differently.” His statement underscores the potential risk his family narrowly avoided.

This incident occurred just days after Ghimire had raised concerns about the tree’s condition with the New York City Parks Department. Despite his report, an inspector visited and deemed the tree safe, taking no further action. However, Ghimire’s worst fears were realized when the branch snapped off unexpectedly, causing structural damage to his house.

After the branch fell, Ghimire immediately contacted 311 to report the issue, prompting a second inspection. Frustrated, he stated, “I warned them the tree was dangerous, but they didn’t listen. My family was at risk, and now I have to deal with the damage to my home.” Ghimire also shared the difficulties faced by homeowners, adding, “The Parks Department won’t cut down a 100-year-old tree, but if homeowners take action themselves, they are fined. We feel helpless.”

This incident has reignited debate over the city’s tree management practices. Ghimire believes that despite the city’s Tree Risk Management program, the current measures are insufficient. “The weather wasn’t bad that day. This tree has been a hazard for a long time,” Ghimire explained. “It wasn’t a storm that caused this. The tree was dangerous, and the system failed to prevent this from happening.”

According to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the agency responds to more than 80,000 forestry-related service requests from New Yorkers each year as part of its role as steward of the city’s urban forest. The Parks Department website reads, “To help keep our tree canopy healthy and safe, we’re integrating modern tree risk management practices into the way we care for our urban forest.”

In 2017, the department launched a pilot program designed to better evaluate tree risks, adhering to the latest industry standards from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The department explained, “Through applying our professional expertise in risk management, we’ll address the conditions that present the highest risk to public safety and property before other work.” However, for Ghimire, these measures proved inadequate, as his initial warning was dismissed.

The Tree Risk Management program is intended to inspect trees and identify issues before they become severe. It prioritizes higher-risk conditions, such as dead or hanging limbs, while lower-risk issues, like smaller dead trees, may remain in place longer. The program incorporates public service requests and proactive tree inspections to ensure the city’s urban forest remains safe. The website also explains how service requests are handled: “When you make a tree service request, whether by calling 311 (212-NEW-YORK), by finding your tree on the NYC Street Tree Map, or by visiting our Tree Services web page, we’ll send a trained arborist to inspect the site.”

In Ghimire’s case, the first inspection did not find an immediate threat, but the branch still fell, damaging his home. He now urges the city to take more proactive measures to protect residents. “It’s not just about repairing the damage now; it’s about preventing something like this from happening again—to me or anyone else in the community.”

The Parks Department explains its inspection process further, noting that their inspectors assess trees based on the likelihood of failure, impact, and the potential consequences of a tree falling. These factors help prioritize the work performed. Severe weather responses, such as during storms, remain a top priority, but regular tree care must also address hazardous conditions before they escalate.

For more information on how to submit a service request or learn about tree risk management, residents can visit the NYC Parks Tree Services web page or contact the city via 311. The department encourages concerned New Yorkers to stay informed about the health and safety of their urban forest and to report any tree hazards promptly.

Ghimire, meanwhile, has reported the damage to his insurance company but stresses that the broader issue of public safety remains. “This isn’t just about my house or insurance claims. It’s about making sure the system works to prevent this from happening to anyone else.”