Tree Power: Growing Greener Communities, One Tree at a Time

Arbor Day is all about celebrating trees and promoting their planting and care. At the New York Power Authority, we don’t just celebrate trees one day a year—we recognize their value all year long.

This spring, the Power Authority is launching its Tree Power program for its 35^th year, matching tree plantings ordered by our power customers. It’s a simple idea with a big impact: for every tree you plant, we help plant another one—doubling the benefits for communities.

“NYPA matches hundreds of trees every year as a way to help create healthier and more resilient communities and increase tree equity across the state,” said Cari, Sustainability program manager. “Planting trees reduces heat islands, improves air quality, increases recreation opportunities and beautifies neighborhoods.”

NYPA is reaching out to municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and state and local governments across the state offering a free one-for-one match for every tree ordered. To encourage tree planting in disadvantaged communities, NYPA offers a two-for-one match for plantings in those areas. A map of eligible disadvantaged communities can be found here.

Trees Matter More Than You Think

Trees aren’t just “nice to have” greenery. When they’re planted in the right places, they quietly work for us every day:

• They keep neighborhoods cooler.
  Trees provide shade that can lower temperatures on streets, sidewalks, and around buildings. That means less need for air conditioning and lower energy bills.

• They clean the air.
  Trees absorb pollutants and trap dust and particulates, helping improve air quality and making it easier to breathe—especially important in busy or industrial areas.

• They reduce flooding.
  Trees intercept rainfall through their leaves, soak up water through their roots and slow down runoff. That helps reduce stormwater flooding and eases the burden on local drainage systems.

• They store carbon.
  As trees grow, they pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in their biomass. This “natural carbon storage” helps fight climate change.

• They support local wildlife.
  Native trees provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, increasing biodiversity and making ecosystems more resilient.

• They make communities healthier and more inviting.
  Tree-lined streets and parks encourage people to walk, play, and spend time outside. Studies show access to green space can improve mental health and overall well-being.

Since 2016, more than 9,700 trees have been distributed through NYPA’s Tree Power program, sequestering more than 500 metric tons of CO₂e emissions and providing over $2 million in quality of life and energy benefits to communities across the state. 

Tree Power is one piece of a much larger effort. In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul launched a ‘25 Million Trees by 2033’ initiative to recognize the importance of trees and forests for climate mitigation and community health. The 25 Million Trees website and tree tracking tool help New Yorkers record the location and number of trees they plant while helping the state document progress in real-time.

If you’re a NYPA power customer and want to learn more about the 2026 Tree Power program, contact Tree.Power@nypa.gov

Together, we can grow cooler, healthier, greener communities—one tree (or two, or three) at a time. Happy Arbor Day New York!