Stressed Race Street Pier trees have re-leafed

The Race Street Pier trees that had been losing their leaves are growing new ones.

As PlanPhilly reported in early June, a few of the pier’s 37 large, white swamp oaks had dropped their leaves. They were being stressed by the wind on the pier.

At the recommendation of the nursery, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation – the quasi-city agency which oversees the development of the park – changed their watering schedule. In short, said DRWC vice president Joe Forkin, they have been getting more water. This is not expected to add to the cost of their upkeep, he said, because the new schedule calls for watering them less when they go dormant for the winter.

Forkin said it looks like the trees will be just fine. If any of them die, they are under a guarantee from the nursery.

Contact the reporter at kgates@planphilly.com