Trees New York, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1976 as a volunteer response to New York City’s devastating cutbacks in tree-related community services.
Trees New York is the leading tree stewardship and advocacy organization in New York City.
Trees New York has over 45 years of experience in community tree planting, stewardship and education projects. Since its founding, Trees New York has trained over 13,500 Citizen Pruners and over 9,000 youth in tree care and stewardship. During the last 10 years, we planted over 5,000 trees in underserved communities throughout New York City, including on New York City Housing Authority campuses, school playgrounds, community gardens, and street trees.
In New York City, where there is limited funding for tree maintenance but significant need, volunteer stewardship is crucial to the survival of our street trees. Big or small, young or old, all street trees improve the quality of life in our city. Large, mature trees have the greatest impact on the environment – removing almost 70 times more pollution than a newly planted tree. Reaching maturity, however, is anything but easy for a New York City street tree. Pollution, dog waste, soil compaction, drought, vandalism and de-icing agents are just a few of many common threats.
Trees New York’s programs guarantee a healthier urban forest and create a pool of volunteers who are educated, trained and committed to supporting the health of New York City’s urban environment. Trees New York provides ongoing support to aid and guide our volunteers in their efforts.
Trees improve the environment
Trees clean the air and provide oxygen. Trees lower air temperatures, reducing energy demand and trees fight climate change. Trees help prevent water pollution by capturing stormwater runoff. Trees provide habitat and food for wildlife including important pollinators like bees.
Trees enhance communities
Trees beautify the streetscape. Trees mask unsightly views, muffle sound, absorb dust and wind and reduce glare. Trees can raise property values by as much as 15%. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue. Trees make people happier and hospital patients heal faster and require shorter stays and fewer painkillers in rooms with windows that face trees. Neighborhoods that are barren have a greater incidence of violence than their greener counterparts.
Trees benefit businesses
Consumers demonstrate a willingness to pay 8-12% more for all types of goods in districts with trees. Studies show that the more trees a business district has, the more business will flow in. Judgments of product value, product quality, and merchant responsiveness are more positive in places with trees. People are willing to travel more often, for more time, and over greater distances to a retail district with trees.
Trees New York
100 Gold Street #3100
New York, NY 10038
t: (718) 701-4463
e: info@treesny.org