Maybe you noticed a new addition to the tree pit on Myrtle between Waverly and Clinton, just between Karens Body Beautiful and Owas African Market  a stylized, unique tree guard! This prototype is the result of a street furniture design process that began in 2007 with the Pratt Design Incubator. Were in the hard prototype stage with this piece, which means what you see here is very close to the final design, but were still making small tweaks here and there.

Were hoping to install up to 25 new tree guards along Myrtle this year, with more to come in future years. Initially, well prioritize younger trees, given that they are especially fragile during their first few years and face perils like errant motor vehicles and heavy bike chains.

This is not your ordinary, average cookie-cutter tree guard! Form and function marry here with an opportunity for artists and aspiring graphic designers to submit ideas for panel designs. Check out the panels in this photo  well have the opportunity to laser cut unique patterns into panels, and no two tree guards will be exactly alike! The small sign post on the front of the tree guard will credit the person who submitted the idea, as well as offer information on the tree species in that particular pit. Stay tuned for more information on this, and an open call for ideas later in the spring!