Tree Pits Become Canvases for Creative Street Art and Dog Waste Prevention

Tree pits around the city have evolved into unexpected canvases for street art, showcasing a range of creative and comedic designs that aim to address dog waste and beautify neighborhoods. This phenomenon has been observed in various NYC districts, with some inspired by initiatives like the "anti-dog poop" poster competition sponsored by former city councilman Jimmy Van Bramer in 2013. Residents, entrepreneurs, and community organizations are taking matters into their own hands, creating innovative and often humorous signs to promote dog waste prevention and neighborhood tidiness.

Key Takeaways:

• Tree pits have become a platform for creative street art, with some residents and businesses creating elaborate designs to address dog waste and beautify neighborhoods.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages residents to grow in tree beds and shares reminders to "please curb your dog."
• Tree guard companies like Kim Johnson's Tree Guard Solutions offer approved designs and free signs for residents to use in tree beds.
• Neighborhoods have distinct personalities when it comes to dog waste-prevention design strategies, with some areas featuring wordy signs, while others have structures and creative fences.
• Residents and business owners, such as Melissa Elstein's nonprofit, create and distribute signs featuring fun and relatable designs to promote dog waste prevention.
• Not all dog owners appreciate these efforts, with some viewing them as an "internment camp" or not understanding the purpose of tree beds as community gardens.
• Dog owners who properly curb their dogs, such as those at Wags West, a Manhattan dog-walking company, often go unnoticed in their efforts.

Statistics:

• 1978: New York City became the first city to have a "pooper scooper" law, requiring pet owners to pick up waste, with a $250 fine for non-compliance.
• 2013: Former city councilman Jimmy Van Bramer hosted an "anti-dog poop" poster competition in Sunnyside.
• 2012: Kim Johnson launched Tree Guard Solutions, a company providing approved tree bed signs and designs.
• 10 years ago: A dishwasher at the Serbian bistro Kafana began tending a thicket of plants in a tree bed, which has since become a community garden.

Sources:

• "New York City Becomes First City to Enact 'Pooper Scooper' Law," (no date)
• David Cruz, "Jimmy Van Bramer eyes Brooklyn City Council seat," (September 6, 2021)
• "First-ever tree guard company in city," (February 7, 2013)
• NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, "Keep it Clean in the Park" campaign (no date)
• Wags West, "Meet Our Team" (no date)