By Kaitlyn Harris
The New York City Parks Department announced a new plan in November 2024 which aims to plant 18,000 trees across the city, filling every available street tree planting location in under 10 years. According to NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue all neighborhoods will be serviced by 2035. “This is a groundbreaking approach—literally—and will make our tree planting and maintenance more efficient and equitable,” said Donoghue. “Trees provide vital shade to streets and parkland, mitigate the effects of excess stormwater, and keep our air clean.”
Parks will begin with neighborhoods which are at most risk from extreme heat, which they define as having a Heat Vulnerability Index score of 4 or 5. Bronx neighborhoods include: Williamsbridge, Woodlawn, Eastchester, Edenwald, Soundview, and Morris Park. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson applauded the move. “As New Yorkers witnessed some of the hottest temperatures on record this summer exacerbated by the Urban Heat Island Effect that warms communities anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees higher than in suburban and rural areas, I am grateful the Parks Department is prioritizing heat vulnerable neighborhoods where a disproportionate number of residents suffer from diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and other illnesses further exacerbated by heat conditions.
This goal is at the heart of an effort to rethink urban green spaces. The drive works to improve environmental health and forms part of a wider strategy against climate change, boosting biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Through careful planning, community involvement, and commitment to sustainability, the department has been planting thousands of trees that, over time, will provide shade and natural beauty for residents.
A truck sits in the middle of the road, as workers begin breaking up the concrete to prepare the ground for new plantings.
Traffic gets redirected on Middletown Road as crews block off the street to make way for tree planting efforts.
The truck rolls in delivering a fresh batch of trees ready to take root and grow. From the back of the truck, each tree is carefully unloaded, destined to help green the landscape and revitalize the area.
The bulldozer clears the old concrete, making way for fresh soil to nourish new life. Soon, this transformed ground will be home to thriving trees, bringing nature back to the heart of the city.
A worker carefully levels the soil around the newly planted tree, ensuring it’s perfectly settled for strong growth. His hands work with purpose, creating a stable foundation for the tree to thrive in its new home.
After soil is leveled a second worker steps in to block the area, ensuring the trees are protected from any potential damage.
After two weeks, this is the progression of the tree that was planted.
A tree that was built by the parks department four years ago on the same block is now a huge healthy tree that produces shade and clearer air.
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