New York, NY – Comptroller Faults City For Mismanaging Its Trees

New York – New York City’s chief fiscal officer is going out on a limb – to point a finger at the city for mismanaging its trees.

Comptroller Scott Stringer says contractors hired to care for more than half a million urban trees pruned ones that didn’t need it and neglected those that required attention.

He blames the city’s Parks Department for the mismanaged pruning program that has cost millions of dollars in claims for injuries and property damage.

Stringer’s tree negligence report is based on an audit by the comptroller’s office. The Parks Department disagrees with the audit’s findings of mismanagement, but agrees with the report’s recommendations for improvements.

Stringer says a total review will make sure the work is done properly in the future and that contractors don’t overcharge the city.