By Greg Mocker| Pix11 News
RED HOOK, Brooklyn (PIX11) — New York City turns green in the spring as parks and flowers bloom across the five boroughs.
But behind the beauty is an enormous effort to care for the city’s millions of trees. The work has been reshaped by a new plan aimed at expanding and protecting the urban forest.
City officials have introduced the first-ever Urban Forest Plan, a long-term strategy designed to improve tree health and bring more greenery to neighborhoods that need it most.
Maintaining that living infrastructure is no small task. It takes coordination between city agencies, nonprofits, and local communities.
In Red Hook, Brooklyn, resident Karen Blondel sees the impact firsthand. As president of the Red Hook West Resident Association, she emphasizes the importance of trees beyond aesthetics.
“I tell my neighbors all the time trees are important for shade and storm absorption—and for healing,” Blondel said. “They naturally bring stress levels down.”
Her neighborhood has faced significant challenges. More than 400 trees were lost due to saltwater damage from Hurricane Sandy and subsequent construction. So far, 176 trees have been replaced, with hundreds more planned.
The renewed planting efforts come as city officials warn of intensifying summer heat. NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura stressed the urgency of expanding tree coverage.
“We can’t wait another minute to make sure every corner of the city benefits from the tree canopy,” she said.
The Urban Forest Plan prioritizes tree planting in areas with high heat vulnerability.
Neighborhoods can be up to 22 degrees hotter without trees than those with dense coverage. Officials say the initiative will focus on equity, ensuring underserved communities receive attention first.
Louise Yeung, Chief Climate Officer for the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, said the goal is not just to plant trees, but to help them thrive.
“We will look closely at neighborhoods with the greatest need and ensure trees are cared for so they grow large enough to provide meaningful shade,” Yeung said.
The plan outlines a phased approach through 2040, aiming to achieve 30 percent tree canopy coverage citywide. Initial plantings are already underway, with additional neighborhoods scheduled in later phases. It was initially created by legislation in 2023
Nonprofit organizations are also playing a critical role. Trees New York is helping coordinate planting and long-term maintenance while mobilizing volunteers.
“People often think trees are just about beautification,” said Executive Director Nelson Villarrubia. “But they do so much more. This plan really highlights their value.”
Lack of water is one of the leading causes of tree loss in the city. To address this, community members are being trained as volunteer “citizen pruners” and organized to help maintain trees in their neighborhoods.
Back in Red Hook, residents are already stepping up. Using neighborhood apps, volunteers coordinate watering schedules and monitor tree health.
With an estimated 7 million trees across New York City, officials say the success of the Urban Forest Plan will depend on continued collaboration between government, nonprofits, and everyday New Yorkers.
Watch segment here.