NYC Urban Forest Plan: Local Law 148 Targets 30% Tree Canopy by 2035

New York City is launching a landmark environmental initiative under Local Law 148, passed in November 2023, to develop the city’s first-ever Urban Forest Plan. This law mandates a comprehensive strategy to increase tree canopy cover from approximately 23% to 30% by 2035, with a strong focus on climate resilience, environmental justice, and public health.

What Is Local Law 148?

Enacted as Int. 1065, Local Law 148 requires the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) and NYC Parks to develop a citywide Urban Forest Plan. This plan will cover all public and private trees in NYC—over 7 million in total—and will be updated every 10 years.

The initial plan was due by July 31, 2025. As of August 2025, the plan has not yet been published, but all public engagement phases have been completed.

Why Tree Canopy Expansion Matters

Expanding NYC's tree canopy offers numerous environmental and public health benefits:

• Reduces Urban Heat: Trees cool city streets by up to 2°F and forested areas by up to 6°F.
• Improves Air Quality: NYC trees remove over 1,100 tons of air pollution each year.
• Manages Stormwater: Urban trees absorb more than 69 million cubic feet of stormwater annually.
• Boosts Mental Health: Tree-lined neighborhoods promote stress relief and healing.
• Supports Biodiversity: Tree canopies provide critical habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife.
• Economic Value: NYC’s trees deliver $260 million in annual ecosystem benefits.

Addressing Environmental Inequality

Tree canopy in NYC is unevenly distributed. Neighborhoods with predominantly Black and Brown populations have 33% less tree cover, while the poorest neighborhoods have 41% less compared to wealthier areas. This disparity increases exposure to heat and air pollution.

The Urban Forest Plan directly targets these underserved communities to create a more equitable urban forest.

Core Components of the Urban Forest Plan

• LiDAR Tree Canopy Mapping: High-resolution scans every 5 years to track canopy coverage.
• Tree Planting Strategy: Focused expansion on NYCHA campuses, parks, and private properties.
• Community Engagement: Workshops, walkshops, and surveys from April–July 2025 gathered public input.
• Private Property Outreach: Education programs targeting the 35% of canopy on private land.
• Long-Term Investment: Federal grants and philanthropic support will fund canopy expansion through 2035.

Progress and Ongoing Challenges

Though underfunded, NYC Parks planted a record 18,000 trees in FY (Fiscal Year) 2024. The city has committed $136 million to support the plan. However, sustained investment and private sector participation are still needed.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer for Trees Count 2025: Help map and track tree health in your neighborhood.
• Attend Urban Forest Workshops: Participate in borough-level forums for tree equity planning.
• Support Urban Forestry: Advocate for sustainable tree policies with groups like Forest for All NYC.
• Plant and Care for Trees: Become a local tree steward or plant native trees on your property.

A Greener Future for All New Yorkers

The Urban Forest Plan is more than a climate strategy—it’s a blueprint for healthier neighborhoods, cleaner air, climate protection, and environmental equity. With public support and strategic investment, NYC’s ambitious goal of 30% canopy cover by 2035 is within reach.

To stay updated or get involved, visit the official site: urbanforestplan.nyc.