Lydia Gralla

  •
    8 Walnut Ave Cambridge MA 02140, United States - Neighborhood 9
    There are 2 city trees growing in front of my property at 19 Beech Street in Porter Square. Neither tree has been pruned in several years and the branches are overgrown, so much so that one tree in particular is not getting any air flow due to the density of branches and leaves. The problem is further complicated by an enormous Red Maple growing on my neighbors property (21-22 Beech St). Last year at this time I asked that the city trees be pruned- we have been using Cambridge Landscape for many years and they (Joe Nardelli) that this crowding will cause these beautifully mature trees to fail. Last year this problem was looked into by the city and I received notification confirming that work was indeed necessary and was being scheduled.
    It never happened! I probably called 4 times to follow with the city to inquire when the work would be done. I already called the arborist’s line and left a message but have not heard anything. So I just filed this CLICKFIX request to finally have this problem addressed before these trees start to fail. One tree in particular is showing signs of stress already. PLEASE let me know that you will be pruning these trees soon!
    Thanks, Lydia Gralla
    lydiagralla@gmail.com
  • 19 Beech St Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA - North Cambridge
    Last year in June I contacted the City Arborist as well as the DPW via phone regarding the health of 2 City trees in front of my property of 19 Beech Street. I was concerned because the two trees have been thriving over the years (since they were first planted by the city about 20 years ago) but because of the amount of Sun and the fact that they were planted relatively close to one another I could see that the leaves and branches were so dense that there could be little circulation (which of course can lead to the ultimate failure to thrive). There is also a large leafy tree growing on my neighbors property which also adds to the problem or crowding the street trees. For many years we have been customers of Cambridge Landscape for taking care of trees on our property and the man who is the tree expert (Joe Nardelli- not sure I have the last name spelled right but if you ask Joe if he knows me he will!). I had asked Joe about how the city trees were doing back in 2018 and he remarked that they were going to need pruning. I asked him again last season (2019) and his opinion was that it was time to have them pruned. After submitting my request to the city I received an email confirming that the trees had been looked at and that they did need pruning and had been assigned to have it done. Over the course of July and August nothing had been done so I spoke to a few different people. I was aware that the city tree work was running behind but it was incredibly frustrating! The 2 trees are still alive but it is crucial that they be pruned early in the season so it gets done for this Summer, not sure they will survive another year. I hope that by contacting the department in mid March will be useful! We all know that adding trees to the city is a very important aspect of climate control. It would be awful if these 2 mature trees were allowed to die. Thanks for putting up with this very long email, I'm terribly at editing what I am trying to say.
    Thanks, Lydia Gralla
  • Pothole Archived
    Beech St Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA - North Cambridge
    The very large crosswalk at the end of Beech Street (next to intersection of Elm Street) is a very dangerous, heavy car traffic crossing. The area designated with white stripes as a pedestrian crossing is full of small but deep "potholes" which can easily cause tripping and very bad falls. A pedestrian has to be visually alert for cars taking turns at this spot while at the same time watching every step they take to avoid tripping and falling. Dangerous for all ages but devastating for older people or those with any disabilities.