The Trees

Filmmaker Scott Elliott's touching PBS-aired documentary explores the link between trees and memorials. Erika Svendsen of the U.S. Forest Service describes trees that were planted in memory of people as living memorials (her organization has documented 700 nationwide in response to 9/11). Amazingly, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation was able to save a mortally wounded pear tree from the site of the World Trade Center, moving the “Survivor Tree” to the Bronx, where it grew branches and leaves, but still bears battle scars. With help from area students, hundreds of trees have been grown from its shoots. Michael Arad, the architect who designed the 9/11 Memorial (“Reflecting Absence”), explains that he intended the plaza for contemplation. To incorporate trees into the plan, he worked with landscape architect Peter Walker, who chose the deciduous swamp white oak (Walker also suggested sweetgum, but the bright red-leafed trees would end up in a different memorial). Walker specifically secured trees from states where victims perished: New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. Arborist Jason Bond of Bartlett Tree Experts says that trees are “doing a lot more for us than most people realize.” His New Jersey nursery planted 500, knowing that only the best would find their way to lower Manhattan. When the project needed even more trees, they were able to secure a few from private owners, who were happy to contribute. Since it took years to prepare the trees for delivery—and each one had to be trucked in individually—Elliott's film honors unsung heroes such as the truckers and construction workers as much as it does the trees themselves. An interesting 9/11-related documentary, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)