Tuesday, May 17, 2022

A terrible way to try to kill rats

Updated 5/23: Several residents report that, via 311 calls, the city has removed the cement from the tree pit.

To combat rats burrowing in the tree pit outside 185 E. Third St., building management decided to cover the space in concrete.

As an unhappy resident here between Avenue A and Avenue B noted, the concrete will inhibit the tree's ability to take in water and oxygen and could likely result in its death.

There are better options ... which the city discusses via its online Rat Academy courses for property managers, business owners, etc.  Find other rat resources via the city here.

Thanks to Suzy Kunz for the photo. 

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tree Murder !

Anonymous said...

What the hell? Can building management be reported to the city for this? This is not OK.

Our neighborhood badly needs containerized trash collection; everything is filthy with bags just being thrown onto sidewalks, and it must be a rat's dream living here.

Anonymous said...

https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/illegal-tree-work
"it is illegal and punishable by law for citizens to remove, kill, or damage a street or park tree, whether intentionally or accidentally."
Report illegally damaged tree here
https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/request/submit?tab=illegally-damaged-tree

Anonymous said...

So if the tree dies and falls and injures someone can the building management be sued?

Anonymous said...

There are fewer and fewer trees in this neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

This is by far the dumbest thing I've seen in years - way to go - killing this tree

Anonymous said...

Of course that will end up killing the tree. How is the roots of the tree supposed to get any rain water that it needs to survive?
What a stupid idea that is.

Anonymous said...

Pure evil. The idiot who did this needs to be held accountable

Anonymous said...

Who does this💥
I would rather see rats than killing innocent trees♥️🥁🥁🥁

Anonymous said...

Please report this to 311 or report on Parks Dept website here.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/illegal-tree-work

Anonymous said...

Reported at the NYC link provided by another commenter. Suggest others also do the same to really drive this home. Disgusting.

Anonymous said...

Please make a complaint here: (illegally damage tree). https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/request/submit?tab=illegally-damaged-tree

Anonymous said...

OMG this is one of those photos that becomes a meme for stupidity Gravel in the dirt will go a long way to inhibiting the rodents ability to burrow Shame that poor tree

XTC said...

Stuff the rats hole with poison or dry ice ( to suffocate them). Lay down a couple of layers of wire mesh. Place bricks around the edges to keep everything in place. Top off with a bag of mulch. Not rocket science.

Anonymous said...

Ah a true NYC building management solution. JUST COVER IT UP!

Anonymous said...

Please make a complaint. And let me know if anyone decides to break it up. I’m in.

Carol from East 5th Street said...

This is against the law. Happy so many others reported it. I will do so also.

Anonymous said...

This is disgusting and idiotic! They're going to kill that tree. I saw some restaurant did this on Mulberry too, since it interfered with "their" sidewalk restaurant space.

Anonymous said...

LOL @7:22 why? So that the containers are just siting there filthy and oozing and dripping and covered in graffiti and flies at all times? No thanks.

Anonymous said...

If you don't want to feed the rats, turn your scraps into compost
https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02030

Anonymous said...

The building owner was notified 5/18 to remove the concrete immediately. This just in from my service complaint.

Anonymous said...

The ticket has been closed. NYC Parks removed the concrete on May 19.