Questions & answers
A tree story can begin
with what you know today.
These answers explain what submitting means, what remains private, and how a story may—or may not—move into public documentation and fieldwork.
What kind of tree should I submit?
An old, unusual, locally remembered, or simply intriguing New York apple tree is worth sharing. You do not need to know its variety, exact age, or complete history.
Do I need to own the tree?
No. You may share a tree you remember or can see lawfully. Please do not trespass. Owner or steward permission is required before any project visit, sampling, or collection.
Do I have to provide GPS coordinates?
No. Coordinates are helpful when available, but a general location is enough to submit. You choose whether a future public record may show no location, a town-level area, or the exact tree location. Publication still requires separate project review and approval.
What happens after I submit?
You receive a HAP reference and the report enters private review. We may contact you with questions. Approved story details may later appear in the public catalog within your sharing choices.
Can I add photographs or information later?
Yes. Reply to your receipt or email the project and include your HAP reference. That helps connect new photographs, corrections, and observations to the existing report instead of creating a duplicate.
Will my report automatically appear on the public map?
No. Publication is a separate editorial decision. Contact details, private notes, original submissions, and unapproved location details never belong in the public catalog.
Does a report guarantee a visit or preservation?
No. A public story and selection for closer study are different decisions. Visits, testing, collection, propagation, and preservation depend on the tree, permission, timing, and available resources.
What happens if a tree is selected?
The project first contacts the owner or steward and discusses permission. Field documentation may happen over several seasons. Any later sampling or laboratory work requires its own appropriate authorization.