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You might not be-leaf it, but you can get a free tree next weekend!
Starting April 13 through May, the New York Restoration Project—a local non-profit that plants trees, renovates gardens and takes care of green spaces around town—is giving out 3,500 free trees to New Yorkers across all five boroughs.
The giveaway is happening in time for Earth Month and is part of the MillionTreesNYC initiative with help from the NYC Parks Department. Since 2015, the program has given away more than 75,000 trees.
The program actually helps NYC create more wildlife habitats, improve air quality, reduce temperatures and mitigate storm water run-off one tree at a time.
“Distributing trees across all five boroughs helps the city move closer to our goal of achieving 30% canopy coverage,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue in a statement. “Trees not only enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods but also serve as vital allies in our fight against climate change and efforts to enhance air quality. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our community partners and volunteers, who contribute to making New York City a greener and healthier place for everyone.”
What kind of trees are being given away?
A variety of native tree species, including Alleghany Serviceberry, American Hazelnut, American Persimmon, American Plum, Bald Cypress, Basswood, Beach Plum, Black Cherry, Black Gum, Eastern Redbud, Elderberry, Flowering Dogwood, Fragrant Sumac, Gray Birch, Hackberry, Hornbeam, Northern Bayberry, Northern Red Oak, Pagoda Dogwood, Pussy Willow, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Smooth Alder, Sweetbay Magnolia, Sweetgum, Sycamore, Tulip Poplar, Washington Hawthorn, White Fringe Tree, and Witchhazel.
How to get a free tree in NYC
To get your hands on one of the 3,500 free trees that will be given out starting April 13, you’ll have to register in advance on this website. Trees will be given away on Saturdays and Sundays through May.
Where to get a free tree in NYC
- Jackson Heights Beautification Group & Council Member Shekar Krishnan — April 13, 10am-noon
- New York Public Library Morissania Branch — April 13, 2-4pm
- Bissel Gardens & State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey — April 14, 10am-noon
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden — April 14, 2-4pm
- Wyckoff House Museum & Council Member Farah Louis — April 20, 10am-noon
- Bronx River Alliance — April 20, 2-4pm
- Stewards of Ewen Park, Tibbetts Brook Beautification Association, & Kingsbridge Heights Community Center — April 21, 10am-noon
- Discovery Community Gardens & New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams — April 21, 2-4pm
- RISE Rockaway, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, the New York Islanders, and National Grid — April 27, 10am-noon
- Queens Botanical Garden & Assemblywoman Nily Rozic — April 27, 2-4pm
- The Green-Wood Cemetery — April 28, 10am-noon
- Bronx Land Trust — April 28, 2-4pm
- Red Hook Farms — May 4, 10am-noon
- Brooklyn Public Library Brownsville Branch — May 4, 2-4pm
- H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths & Westervelt Family and Community Garden — May 5, 10am-noon
- Java Street Community Garden & Council Member Lincoln Restler — May 5, 2-4pm
- Brooklyn Public Library Marcy Branch & Council Member Chi Ossé — May 11, 10am-noon
- Citizens Fordham Road Branch — May 11, 10am-1pm
- Citizens Avenue U Branch — May 11, 10am-1pm
- New York Public Library Westchester Square Branch — May 11, 2-4pm
- HELP USA — May 12, 10am-noon
- Brotherhood Sister Sol, West Harlem Art Fund & Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine — May 12, 2-4pm
You can use the map below to find your nearest tree giveaway.