It is Tree Time—Arbor Day and More
April includes Arbor Day (Friday, April 26)—a time to appreciate and plant trees. Trees are a vital part of our environment, and responsibly managing our forests and planting trees are important to “Living the Green Life.” Some DEC and state initiatives to promote tree planting and forest regeneration include:
Governor Hochul’s initiative to plant twenty-five million trees by 2033. Learn about how DEC is supporting this effort.
DEC’s annual spring seedling sale, which is now open to the public and runs until May 10. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve New York’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests. Be sure to check on the availability of certain species as many have already sold out!
DEC’s annual Trees for Tribs program—a statewide program that has been working to reforest New York's tributaries - small creeks and streams that flow into larger rivers and lakes - by planting trees and shrubs along these waterways. The program's goal is to create or improve riparian (streamside) buffers that decrease erosion, reduce flooding damage, improve wildlife, and stream habitat, and protect water quality.
You can help our state’s tree population to grow and prosper. DEC provides information on how to properly plant a tree with helpful tips:
Make sure you plant on your own land and that planting will not interfere with utilities. Visit UDIG NY for more information.
Prepare ahead of time and get all necessary tools, such as gloves, shovel, water and more ready before you start digging.
Know the difference in handling bare root versus potted seedlings.
Learn how to properly plant a tree—not too deep and not too shallow.
Practice general maintenance, water, and mowing appropriately.
Recognize invasive species and forest health concerns.
Read detailed information in the full “Planting and Caring for Your Seedlings” Publication (PDF).
The DEC website includes a wide-range of information about trees, sample topics include: the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery, How to Plant and Care for a Tree, and Ways to Celebrate Arbor Day.
Did you know that?
First celebrated in 1872, Arbor Day was established as a way to encourage farmers and homesteaders to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, food, fuel, and beauty to open areas. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April.
Studies show that trees improve air and water quality, reduce flooding, reduce cooling, and heating energy needs, increase property values, and improve the quality of life for people and wildlife around them.
The New York ReLeaf Program is made up of regional committees and overseen by DEC in partnership with the NYS Urban Forestry Council, a not-for-profit advisory group. The program promotes the value of trees, proper tree care, and sound urban forest management practices by connecting communities to technical expertise, information and resources, training, and potential funding sources that will help them meet their local needs and maintain and improve their urban forests. We encourage anyone who cares about the trees in their neighborhoods to get involved:
Contact your city, town, or village to join their Arbor Day celebration - or encourage them to start one!
Does your town have a tree board? consider joining it!
Work with your local school district to include trees in schools