FruiTrees New York


Designed to increase New York City’s fruit tree canopy cover, provide communities with access to fresh and healthy food, promote food literacy, and teach proper cultivation and harvesting techniques.

Trees New York partners with community gardens and public schools to prove that fruit trees can be successfully integrated into the garden design. FruiTrees New York extends beyond the planting and harvesting of fruit trees. Volunteers engage in hands-on activities while they learn about relevant urban environmental issues and food systems. Activities include planting fruit trees, planting small fruit bushes, creating pollinator habitats, analyzing soil tests, espalier tying and building trellises.

This year, Trees New York will partner with youth-led organizations and use fruit trees and woody plants as a vehicle to strengthen local food systems in underserved communities. The objective of FruiTrees New York is to increase students understanding of local food systems and increase their access to fresh food through environmental education, guest speakers and hands-on activities.

Partners will select from one of two curriculum tracks – planting or preservation. In addition to the introductory lessons, each group chooses an additional 3-4 lessons for Trees New York’s curriculum menu.

If your after-school group is interested in participating in Trees New York’s FruiTrees New York program, please email info@treesny.org subject line: FruiTrees New York.

  • Preservation– This track is for groups seeking to take corrective action on existing fruit trees and woody plants in their garden. Trees New York receives many inquiries from community gardens seeking help for inadequate fruit production, pest management and pruning technique training.