25 Million Trees by 2033

Governor Kathy Hochul launched the ‘25 Million Trees by 2033’ initiative during the 2024 State of the State Address to recognize the importance of trees and forests for climate mitigation and community health. DEC encourages all New Yorkers to record trees they plant via our Tree Tracker, which updates the dashboard below in real-time. Every tree counts!

Image Credit

Chris Ray

Tree planting is a key strategy to help slow climate change and make our communities more resilient to challenges such as extreme heat, air pollution, and severe weather. Trees capture and store carbon in their leaves, roots, and trunks and offer ecological benefits such as providing wildlife habitat and naturally filtering air and water. Every tree planted–whether to create a new forest, assist in forest regeneration, or cool and beautify streets and neighborhoods–is a step towards a healthier, greener future for New Yorkers.

To achieve New York’s 25 Million Trees by 2033 goal, DEC is:

• Providing new and continued funding opportunities for public and private landowners to plant new forests and increase tree canopy in urban communities; 

• Expanding New York State tree seedling production and nursery capacity;

• Engaging the next generation of environmental stewards through education and outreach; and

• Compiling an accurate record of trees planted across New York State using the Tree Tracker

  • Data will be available on the 25 Million Trees Dashboard

How To Get Involved

Step 1: Plant Trees

Whether you are planting one tree or hundreds, every New Yorker can be part of this initiative. Start planning your planting project today! 

It’s important to plant the right tree in the right place. When choosing your tree or trees consider the site’s soil type, sun exposure, moisture level, space limitations, and hardiness zone, and choose a tree species that will thrive in these specific conditions. Check out DEC’s How to Plant a Tree Page for more considerations.

Step 2: Track Trees Planted

Record your tree plantings with DEC’s Tree Tracker to count toward the 25 million trees goal.
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Any trees planted since Jan. 1, 2024, count toward the 25 million tree goal. When recording your tree or trees, be prepared to provide the location and number of trees planted. The Tree Tracker provides the option to submit additional information, if known, such as:

• The start/end date of the planting project;

• The type of tree species planted and its size; 

• Where tree(s) were purchased or otherwise procured; and

• Photos of your planting efforts.

Image Credit

Adam Olinski, SUNY Morrisville

Step 3: Grow Your Tree

It is important to provide your newly planted tree or trees with proper care and maintenance to ensure survival. Adequate support and protection, mulch and/or fertilizer, and watering are all essential considerations. Learn about best practices for taking care of your tree.

25 Million Trees Events

Planting trees to celebrate Arbor Day? Getting volunteers out in the forest? Educating our next generation of environmental stewards? Add your event to our statewide 25 Million Trees Events calendar to help spread the word! Submitted events will be reviewed and then added to the public calendar after DEC approval.

Additional Resources

Technical Assistance

A forester, arborist, or natural resource professional can provide guidance on tree planting projects and connect you with additional resources to get started. Follow these links to find a professional near you:

• DEC Stewardship Forestry staff

• DEC Cooperating Foresters

• ISA Certified Arborists

• Cornell Cooperative Extension

• Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Funding Opportunities

Image Credit

Sara Soika, Hamilton College

Use the DEC Grant Applications webpage to find potential funding opportunities for you and your tree planting project. Start with the list below.

• Funding for Municipalities and Communities 

  • Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Program (PDF)

  • Other Urban and Community Forestry Grants

  • Green Resiliency Grant Program

  • Parks Tree Fund 

• Funding for Private Landowners

  • Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program

  • Regenerate NY 

  • Family Forest Carbon Program

  • Climate Resilient Farming – Forest

• Funding for Nonprofits and Land Trusts

  • Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program 

• Incentives

  • 480a Forest Tax Law

  • Conservation Reserve Program 

  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program 

  • Tree City USA 

  • Water Quality Incentives Program