RED HOOK, Brooklyn (PIX11) \u2014 New York City turns green in the spring as parks and flowers bloom across the five boroughs.<\/p>\n
But behind the beauty is an enormous effort to care for the city\u2019s millions of trees. The work has been reshaped by a new plan aimed at expanding and protecting the urban forest.<\/p>\n
Discover more local reporting on our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Maintaining that living infrastructure is no small task. It takes coordination between city agencies, nonprofits, and local communities.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI tell my neighbors all the time trees are important for shade and storm absorption\u2014and for healing,\u201d Blondel said. \u201cThey naturally bring stress levels down.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t wait another minute to make sure every corner of the city benefits from the tree canopy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Discover more stories shaping your neighborhood on our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n The Urban Forest Plan prioritizes tree planting in areas with high heat vulnerability.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Louise Yeung, Chief Climate Officer for the Mayor\u2019s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, said the goal is not just to plant trees, but to help them thrive.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will look closely at neighborhoods with the greatest need and ensure trees are cared for so they grow large enough to provide meaningful shade,\u201d Yeung said.<\/p>\n 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 <\/p>\n Nonprofit organizations are also playing a critical role. Trees New York is helping coordinate planting and long-term maintenance while mobilizing volunteers.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople often think trees are just about beautification,\u201d said Executive Director Nelson Villarrubia. \u201cBut they do so much more. This plan really highlights their value.\u201d<\/p>\n