City of Rochester exceeds ambitious tree planting goal as Mayor Evans celebrates milestone by planting the 6000th tree in the urban forest initiative

Rochester, New York – A small crowd gathered in Rochester today to witness a milestone moment in the city’s environmental journey. Mayor Malik D. Evans, joined by city officials and members of the Forestry Division, helped plant the 6,000th tree through Rochester’s ambitious Tree Expansion Initiative — a project that has already outpaced expectations and continues to flourish ahead of schedule.

Launched in 2023, the Tree Expansion Initiative set a bold target: plant 6,000 new trees across Rochester by 2025. That goal has now been met more than a year early. City leaders say the program’s success stems from strong collaboration, efficient planning, and a deep sense of purpose behind every sapling planted. By the end of next year, the number of new trees is expected to reach 6,200 — and an additional 700 are planned for spring 2026.

Standing alongside city forestry staff, Mayor Evans reflected on what the milestone means for Rochester’s neighborhoods and its future. “Every one of these trees represents a promise to our future,” he said. “Our growing urban forest makes Rochester a healthier, cooler, and more beautiful city. When we invest in our living infrastructure, we invest in cleaner air, stronger neighborhoods, and the physical and mental well-being of our residents. But these trees need more than just planting; they need care. I encourage every resident to take ownership of the trees in their neighborhood and help nurture them so they can thrive for generations to come.”

Investing in a Greener Future

The city’s push to expand its urban canopy has been powered by both local and federal support. Rochester initially dedicated $1.2 million in city funds to launch the initiative in 2023. The momentum has continued with a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, which supports not only planting efforts but also public education and outreach.

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Officials say the investment is paying off in multiple ways. Trees planted through the program are improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and cooling neighborhoods during summer heat waves. Beyond the environmental benefits, the project has helped strengthen community pride and participation. Residents have been encouraged to help water and care for the trees in their area, turning the program into a shared civic effort.

A Citywide Effort Rooted in Dedication

The milestone is also a testament to the dedication of Rochester’s Forestry Division, whose crews have been working year-round to meet and surpass the city’s planting goals. Over the past three years, the staff and contractors have managed to balance regular maintenance and replacement work while pushing ahead with the large-scale expansion project.

City officials say more than 30 varieties of shade trees have been planted, with a strong focus on native species that thrive in local conditions. The majority of new plantings have gone to the city’s Northeast and Northwest quadrants, areas where increased canopy coverage provides the greatest benefits — from cooling homes and sidewalks to improving air quality and property values.

Forestry teams have also made it a point to engage residents through outreach programs, teaching them how to care for new trees and explaining why they’re vital to Rochester’s health and sustainability. The city’s 311 line allows residents to request a new street tree in front of their home or business, and many have taken advantage of that opportunity.

Growing Toward a Sustainable Legacy

Mayor Evans emphasized that while the planting numbers are impressive, the true measure of success will come in the years ahead — when these trees mature and begin to transform entire neighborhoods. Each tree planted is seen as a long-term investment in the community’s future, bringing benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics.

Environmental experts often refer to trees as “living infrastructure,” providing measurable returns through energy savings, cleaner air, and improved stormwater management. Rochester’s growing forest is already making a difference in local climate resilience and public health.

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With more than 6,000 new trees now rooted in city soil, Rochester’s vision of a greener, healthier, and more connected community is taking shape one tree at a time. The program’s continued success has drawn praise from residents and environmental advocates alike, who see it as a model for other urban areas striving to balance growth with sustainability.

As Mayor Evans and the forestry team stood over the newly planted 6,000th tree, the message was clear — Rochester’s commitment to the environment is not just about meeting goals, but about leaving a lasting legacy.

For more information about the Tree Expansion Initiative or to learn how to get involved, residents can visit www.cityofrochester.gov/trees or call 311 to request a tree planting in their neighborhood.