Tivoli has a well-earned reputation as a bucolic village with walkable streets and strong connections to the Hudson River and the surrounding hills. According to their own Local Waterfront Revitalization Program’s founding document, trees are a major part of the historic fabric of the community.
“The Village can… provide street amenities that will improve the appearance of the community. Planting new trees and caring for older trees is an example of such activity.”
The document mourns the loss of the great elm trees that “once lined the community’s streets.”
Tivol is also known for providing first 60 legendary crabapple trees that once filled the Central Park Conservancy Garden. Some of the original trees are still believed to alive in the park.
In 2023, the Village of Tivoli Tree Committee undertook a tree inventory of the public trees that now line its public property. The elms of yesteryear have been replaced with the following trees, which we’ve tallied up from their report along with a synopsis of common things to look out for with each species.
1. Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) – 17 Trees
Callery pears are known for fast growth, early spring flowers, and a high tolerance for compacted soils in busy areas. They can be prone to a weak branch structure, so pruning every 2-3 years is critical. They are especially weak with heavy snow or ice storms.
2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) – 10 Trees
Sugar maples are iconic native Hudson Valley trees that provide beautiful colors in the fall. They can be sensitive to salt and drought. It’s great to water them deeply in dry summers between July and August. They need a minimal amount of pruning to remove deadwood.
3. Katsura (Cercidiphyllum) – 5 Trees
Katsura are known for their heart-shaped leaves and spectacular fall colors. They love moisture, so like the sugar maple, they do well with summer waterings. They also prefer partial sun instead of a blasting full afternoon sun. They can respond well to some light winter pruning. These are great for shady village streets.
4. Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – 5 Trees
The eastern redbud is known for early magenta flowers and are beloved by pollinators. They can have shorter lifespan than larger trees. It’s important to water them regularly for their first two or three years, and to remove crossing or crowded branches early on.
5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – 5 Trees
The serviceberry features spring flowers, edible berries, and are a magnet for wildlife, which can be good or bad. They like occasional pruning to improve air circulation.
6. Dogwood Spp. (Cornus) – 4 Trees
Dogwoods are known for their classic spring flowers and layered branches. They can be sensitive to stress and disease, so make sure to water them during droughts. They really could use a shady, calmer side street.
Do you need help with your trees in Tivoli, NY? At Expert Tree Service, we’re here to help you extend the life of your tree with trimming and maintenance services, or if it’s time, we can safely remove your tree without leaving a trace on your property. Give us a call at 845-331-6782 to get started.