Its All In The Trees:

Just call her Baysides tree expert. For the past four years, Rosemary Zimmerman has dedicated a large part of her time urging local businesses and residents to spruce up their sidewalks by planting trees curbside.
"I thought Bayside was lacking some trees in the area and I thought it would be nice healthwise, in terms of shade, and for the value of homes," said Zimmerman.
A member of the Bayside Business Association (BBA), she hopes to raise more money for the organizations greening projecttree planting is its top priority. Q4U, a Queens parks advocacy group, is organizing a 5K run fund-raiser, in order to benefit the BBAs goal of planting trees, on Sept. 21 in Crocheron Park. Hopefully, the run will raise $5,000 or more, just enough money for around 20 trees, said Judith Limpert, president of the BBA.
Zimmerman started her crusade for planting trees by walking up and down Bell Boulevard, ducking into stores and banksmany of which were very receptive to the idea. "Some people will shy away, but theres very few…they might think its going to cover their storefront sign, but it doesnt, since the trees can be cut," she said.
Due to her advocacy, a handful of businesses, including Bank of New York and Verizon, agreed to have a tree planted in front of their stores.
A tree usually costs around $250 to buy and plantpaid for by the local Community Board, said Zimmerman. Forms requesting a tree to be planted are available at all community boards, she said.
Zimmerman, who was in charge of tree selection for the Bell Boulevard trees, picked Callery Pear trees, known for their small delicate leaves and white flowers which blossom in the spring, and turn bright red and then fall off in November. "Aesthetically they look beautiful and are easy to maintain," said Zimmerman. "And they dont have problems with beetles." Maple trees are a definite no-no, because of the beetles they attract as are Linden trees, whose leaves are too wide and leafy for Bell Boulevard.
Hopefully, planting will begin this fall, shortly after the fundraiser, said Zimmerman.
Besides the greening project, the BBA is also planning a $30,000 to $100,000 renovation project of the Long Island Rail Road freight building into a visitor center and BBA headquarters.
For more information on the 5K run, call (718) 352-2361. The race costs $13 to register before September 14 and $17 afterward.