New York is putting down more roots in its push for sustainability, sending out 1,650 trees to communities and agencies across the state as part of a growing effort to plant 25 million trees by 2033.
The trees are part of the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) 2025 Tree Power program, which saw its biggest distribution yet since launching in the early 1990s. Forty-nine NYPA customers — from school districts and towns to state agencies — are receiving the trees this year.
The program helps local governments and public entities access native trees that boost environmental health and energy efficiency. NYPA offers matched funding for purchases, with double matches for plantings in disadvantaged communities. This year, more than 900 of the trees came through the match program.
Communities in Westchester County topped the recipient list, including Port Chester, Mount Vernon, Irvington and others. Tree orders ranged from a handful to more than 90, and delivery has already begun across the state.
Trees will be planted along highways, near schools, in public parks and around state facilities. One NYPA site — the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena — will add 22 new trees as part of the effort.
Since 2016, the Tree Power program has helped plant over 9,700 trees across New York. That’s added up to more than 500 metric tons of carbon removed from the air and over $2 million in environmental and energy savings.
“Power Authority customers and surrounding communities receive significant economic and environmental benefits when they plant trees,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll.
The benefits go beyond beautification. Trees provide shade that reduces energy costs, filter stormwater runoff, and help fight urban heat. Planting also supports biodiversity and improves air quality.
NYPA’s Cari Ficken said the program plays a key role in helping communities hit energy goals while making neighborhoods greener and more livable.
The state launched the “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative in 2024 to address climate change, improve public health, and expand green space access. New Yorkers can track progress and log their own plantings on a state-run tree tracking website.
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