Governor Hochul Announces 1,650 Trees Distributed to Municipalities, Agencies Across State Bolstering New York’s 25 Million Trees Program

Forty-nine New York Power Authority Customers Benefit from Tree Matching Program Greening Local Communities and Promoting Tree Equity in Disadvantaged Communities

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA), through its 2025 Tree Power program, is delivering 1,650 trees to 49 low-cost energy and energy efficiency customers, bringing additional sustainability benefits to municipalities and state agencies throughout the state. This year, which offered incentives for plantings in disadvantaged areas, marks the largest distribution since the program began in the late 1990s. The program contributes to Governor Hochul’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.

“Tree planting and reforestation are essential for enhancing New York State’s environmental health and resilience, while also safeguarding public well-being,” Governor Hochul said. “We are proud to support these communities that are contributing to our statewide sustainability goals and improving public health in their own neighborhoods. The Tree Power program not only boosts sustainability but also promotes equity by providing critical resources to underserved areas.”

Eligible state and local governments, municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives placed orders for trees in the spring when NYPA offered a one-for-one match for those purchased, up to $5,000 in total value. This year, orders ranged from fewer than 10 to 92 with several municipalities in Westchester County ordering more than 80 each (Port Chester, Mount Vernon, Westchester County and Irvington). More than 900 trees were donated through the match program.

To encourage more trees to be planted in disadvantaged communities, NYPA offered a two-for-one match for plantings at customer locations in those areas. The initiative aims to affordably increase tree equity across the state, with communities benefitting from a higher tree canopy with improved air quality, enhancement of outdoor recreation and increased beautification.

Planting trees improves water quality and mitigates stormwater flooding by redirecting storm water run into the soil rather than the streets and reducing flooding. For buildings, strategically planted trees can provide shade and windbreaks, reducing the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter, thus lowering energy consumption.

Governor 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. The 25 Million Trees website and tree tracking tool announced earlier this year help New Yorkers record the location and number of trees they plant while helping the state document progress in real-time.