Magnolia Elder
GET INVOLVED/SPONSOR: Email us at muyu.earth@gmail.com
FUN FACT: Magnolias are one of the first flowering trees, their original pollinators were beetles which means they predate bees!
BACKSTORY: There is another new condo going up in Journal Square/Lower Heights (surprise!) at 70 Oakland Ave (Jersey City). The developer recently demolished 5 homes to clear the land for it. This lot was once home to several families and is still home to a 50+ year old elder magnolia tree and their non-human inhabitants. Sometime in th efall, SAPNA (Sgt Anthony Neighborhood Association- Ward C) asked the developer if their plans could be changed to save the tree but the developer said no. Tree relocation was unfortunately not pursued then. I asked the developer again in early January if they would reconsider their design and they said no once again. The developer is Arvider Minhas of GN Management. GN Website (gnmgt.com)
NOW: We were able to talk with the developer and we have come to an agreement; they are “allowing” tree relocation, giving us until April of this year and $500 to cover cost of transplanting. Demolition has already begun, and the project is scheduled to "break ground" in spring. The tree is an elder and magnolias don't do well with transplanting, especially at this age. Transplanting typically happens in the winter but before frost. Our head gardener at Sgt Anthony Park reached out to a JC Arborist and they shared that relocation, even with the right equipment, funds (pricey) and in season (before frost) would be difficult, they said failure would be likely. The best way to keep the elder alive is by not moving them. Still, here are some reference points for labor/cost for a move: https://www.greerbros.com/greerblog/cost-to-move-a-large-tree.
NEXT STEPS:
Find a new location for the elder.
Get a final cost and transport support for the actual move.
Develop a working group to help create an ordinance/policy to protect the land and old growth in our city.