The City of York is partnering with the Rotary Club of York to replace the declining Bradford Pear Trees that line Market St. between Pershing Ave. and Duke St. The project will be funded by the Rotary Club of York.
Beginning in August, the City of York’s Public Works Department will remove the aging Bradford trees currently lining Market St. between Pershing Ave. and Duke St. These trees have become increasingly unsafe — prone to breaking apart and pose a hazard to pedestrians, vehicles, and nearby buildings. The Bradford trees have reached the end of their life cycle. The average tree in an enclosed tree well is 25 years old.
Bradford trees are also no longer on the recommended Street Tree list. They are now considered invasive and have been proven to be harmful to the environment. Add that recent soil sample results have revealed a high concentration of calcium oxide in the soil of the tree wells. When soil conditions reveal a high PH concentration, a low level of nutrients are available for the tree to survive on.
During the month of September, stump removal and excavation of existing soil will be conducted followed by replacement of proper soil matter conducive to supporting street trees. In October, the Rotary Club will lead a volunteer-based effort to plant 46 Ginkgo “Princeton Sentry” and 14 single-stem Serviceberry trees. The two species of trees selected to replace the Bradford trees are both appropriate street trees that will be able to handle the increased levels of carbon dioxide from vehicle emissions.
The project will also include planter boxes at key corners, planted with seasonal color to further enhance the beauty of the corridor.
The Rotary Club of York has a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, including the planting of more than 800 trees in the city over the years and the successful Continental Square beautification project completed in 2024. “We are excited to continue this important work in partnership with the City of York and to engage the community in creating a safer, greener, and more beautiful downtown,” said Aaron Jacobs of the Rotary Club.
