Parks crews set a planting record since 2016 as 18,261 trees go into the ground, many in Queens
The city focused its fiscal 2026 tree planting on neighborhoods that suffer most in extreme heat, including nine parts of Queens where canopy lags the citywide average.
City parks gained 18,261 new trees over fiscal 2026, a total no fiscal year has matched since 2016. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura shared the figure, saying the planting was meant to move faster in the parts of the city that suffer most during extreme heat.
Queens neighborhoods that got new trees
A large share of the new trees landed in Queens, in nine neighborhoods where canopy has long trailed the citywide average. The list covers Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Laurelton and St. Albans, plus South Ozone Park. Elmhurst, Sunnyside, Long Island City and Hunters Point were also on it.
Toward a 30% canopy by 2040
Every tree counts toward the Urban Forest Plan, which aims to have canopy over 30% of the city by 2040. According to Mamdani, the goal is a city where residents in every neighborhood can find cool shade, breathe clean air and enjoy healthy trees. “Access to green space and relief from extreme heat should not depend on your ZIP code,” he said.
Shimamura pointed to climate change, which is making heat waves more frequent and more intense, as the reason shade matters more than ever. She credited Parks foresters and arborists with steering new plantings to the places that need relief most. The city’s chief climate officer, Louise Yeung, said the plan targets high-need neighborhoods so that New York becomes healthier and better able to withstand climate stress.
What changed at Parks this year
According to the agency, the record came down to timing. Parks began work earlier than it normally does and teamed up with nurseries so a bigger supply of trees was ready before planting season opened. Crews dug up many of the trees before their buds opened in spring, then watered and mulched the young plantings through the summer months. Officials said they will repeat that playbook for the fall season ahead.
Across the five boroughs, New York has over 7 million trees from more than 100 species.
Quick answers
How many trees did New York City plant in its parks in fiscal 2026?
Parks planted 18,261 trees, the highest total for any fiscal year since 2016.
Which Queens neighborhoods were targeted?
Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Laurelton, St. Albans, South Ozone Park, Elmhurst, Sunnyside, Long Island City and Hunters Point.
What canopy target does the city have?
Under the Urban Forest Plan, the city wants tree canopy over 30% of its area by 2040.
