Put Down Roots: MillionTreesNYC Invites All New Yorkers to Help Green the City
MillionTreesNYC : Join the Urban Forest Movement
MillionTreesNYC, an ambitious citywide initiative, is calling on New Yorkers to get their hands dirty—literally. The program’s goal is bold: plant and care for one million trees across the five boroughs.
Launched as part of Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC, MillionTreesNYC brings together government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents. It’s not just about tree planting. It’s about transforming the city’s environment, one tree at a time.
And now, the program wants everyday New Yorkers to help.
60% Planted. 40% to Go.
By mid-2010, MillionTreesNYC had already planted over 600,000 trees. That’s 60% of the total goal. The effort has reached parks, streets, schools, and even private yards.
But the remaining 40% needs help from the public. The city can’t do it alone. Homeowners, schools, block associations, and community groups all play a critical role in getting the job done.
Trees can be planted in front yards, backyards, community gardens, or alongside sidewalks. Every site helps grow the city’s canopy.
Why Urban Trees Matter
Urban trees do more than look good. They cool our streets, filter air pollution, and absorb carbon dioxide. In summer, they reduce the “urban heat island” effect, lowering energy costs and making neighborhoods more livable.
Trees also reduce stormwater runoff, preventing sewage overflows and protecting nearby waterways. That’s especially critical in older neighborhoods where infrastructure is aging.
But perhaps most importantly, they improve quality of life. Streets with trees are quieter, safer, and more inviting.
Your Chance to Leave a Legacy
MillionTreesNYC offers several ways for people to get involved:
- Request a Free Tree: New Yorkers with yards or planting space can apply online. The city will provide the tree and planting instructions—at no cost.
- Volunteer to Plant Trees: Events are hosted citywide in parks, schools, and green spaces. No experience necessary.
- Join Tree Care Workshops: Learn how to water, mulch, and prune young trees. The program even trains neighborhood “Tree Stewards.”
- Donate to the Cause: Even if you can’t plant, your support helps cover costs for trees, tools, and training.
The message is clear: anyone can help grow NYC’s green future.
A Citywide Collaboration
MillionTreesNYC is a joint project between NYC Parks Department and the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), founded by Bette Midler. While the city handles most street tree plantings, NYRP leads the charge in underserved areas and vacant lots.
Corporate sponsors, schools, and local nonprofits are also stepping up. Green teams from companies like Home Depot and Con Edison have donated time, tools, and people power.
This multi-sector approach ensures that the program reaches every borough, not just the high-profile parks or downtown areas.
From Seedlings to Shade – MillionTreesNYC
Every tree planted today will make a difference tomorrow. A single tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Over a decade, that adds up.
Plus, mature trees increase property values by up to 15%, according to the U.S. Forest Service. They also reduce stress and promote public health—benefits that can’t be measured in dollars.
With summer approaching, now is the perfect time to take action. The city is actively scheduling planting days and tree care training across all boroughs.
Help Reach One Million – #MillionTreesNYC
MillionTreesNYC is more than a goal—it’s a movement. It’s about community, climate, and caring for the place we all call home.
By putting down roots—literally—you become part of something bigger. You create shade for the next generation. You clean the air for your neighbors. And you help New York City become a leader in urban sustainability.
The tree you plant today could stand tall for 100 years.
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