Balmville Tree, in healthier times
BALMVILLE – The Balmville Citizens Association is developing a park around what is left of the 316-year-old Balmville Tree that sprouted around the time George Washington was in Newburgh.
Even while the park is being developed, members of the association are questioning if it was cut down to a portion of its trunk prematurely.
State and Town of Newburgh officials decided to have the tree cut down after a large limb cracked and drooped perilously close to Balmville Road. The metal cables installed 18 years ago at the expense of the local residents, could no longer hold the tree up, the government inspectors said.
Association member Emote de Papp Severo said the tree is not dead.
“The tree is still alive,” Severo said. “It is actually sending up new shoots, believe it or not, the old trunk. The only reason it was cut down is because there was a new crack in one of the limbs, the one that extends somewhat over Balmville Road and the town and the DEC were afraid this would cause the tree to collapse.”
A new park around the tree, called the Balmville Tree Restoration Park, has phase one completed. The park has the beginnings of a garden containing 121 wild flower plants. A gravel path has been installed with pavers to come in spring.
On Sunday, October 25, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the gate to the park will be open with cider an donuts being served rain or shine.
