While the Gardens is fortunate to enjoy a long growing season, it is worth noting that all planted materials need some type of annual attention, but this is especially true for bushes and shrubs. They quickly become misshapen and messy if not given an annual "haircut". Even with yearly trims, the average life of a healthy bush is approximately 10-15 years -- once it crosses 15 years, the health and aesthetic of the shrub declines, often exhibiting bald spots and inconsistent growth, which negatively affects your property's appearance.

Sadly, many of the bushes overhanging our neighborhood's sidewalks were either planted improperly (all plants should be planted at least two feet inside the sidewalk edge) and/or long neglected and are overgrown, resulting in the impediment of proper pedestrian passage.

Not sure if your bushes are in need of immediate attention? Just take a look at the sidewalk in front of your home. Both sides of the sidewalk - edge to edge - should be fully visible and accessible to all!

As outlined in the August Gardens newsletter, homeowner cooperation is needed to maintain a safe passage for the various users of our walkways - pedestrians, strollers, trash removers, snow removers - and yes, even little Halloween princesses in hoop skirts! So PLEASE address your bushes and either remove them completely (do you really need them?) or cut them back away from the sidewalk's edge.

Surely every homeowner would be happiest if their overhanging shrubs were trimmed and shaped in a manner they personally selected and oversaw. Fall is the perfect time to address this task. Act now please! Time is running out - the winter months are right around the corner! Your cooperation and immediate attention is greatly appreciated. Again, gardener referrals can be obtained by calling the Gardens office.

Halloween Etiquette

While this holiday is a highlight for many children, some within our community would rather not observe it. It is suggested to turn on your porch light if you'd like to receive ghosts and ghouls....and signal you'd rather not (or you've run out of treats!) by turning off porch lighting.



Trick or Treating:

Participate in Good Spirit

Celebrating Halloween in Forest Hills Gardens is a long-standing tradition and a fun and memorable night in our neighborhood. As a known destination in Queens for trick or treating, residents should expect high volumes of children participating in the festivities from

4 pm onward, especially around Hawthorne Park and adjacent streets. Below are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and safe holiday for all: 

Tips for witches, ghosts, and goblins visiting homes:

• Visit each home only once 
• Respect homes that are dark
• Use caution when approaching front doors and avoid stepping on or trampling the homeowner’s gardens
• Wait your turn to approach the door and refrain from pushing others 

Tips for homeowners: 

• Avoid giving candies that may be choking hazards to young children 
• If possible avoid treats that contain allergens, such a nuts 
• Consider giving non-candy handouts such as stickers, glow sticks, or small toys 
• Lollipops make a great treat for the smallest of visitors 
• Place a sign on your door indicating when candy has run out