Trees for Trenton

A thriving tree canopy is a critical part of a healthy community. Not only do trees provide shade for homes and businesses, they also filter out pollutants and protect people from excessive heat, among other benefits. While the value of trees to communities may be less obvious than those of reliable bus lines, good street lighting, or well-maintained roads, they are vital to maintaining a healthy, vibrant neighborhood.

Historically, there’s been an absence of adequate investment in green spaces in our urban communities. Urban residents have long been subjected to the negative impacts that accompany a lack of trees and green spaces, more so than those in suburban areas. Neighborhoods without trees experience the “heat island” effect, a phenomenon where a community has higher temperatures than surrounding suburban and rural areas because of limited shade and reflective paved surfaces. A well planned and cared for urban tree canopy is critical for combating high temperatures and working towards a community’s environmental resilience and eco-justice.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation and our partners — City of Trenton, Isles, the New Jersey Tree Foundation, the Watershed Institute, and the Outdoor Equity Alliance — are working to build a greener, more equitable New Jersey through the Trees for Trenton program. Thanks to a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 1,000 shade trees will be planted throughout Trenton over the next three to five years, creating a healthier environment for residents and visitors.

Trees for Trenton was announced in 2023 at an Arbor Day celebration when the first trees were planted at Mulberry Street Park. The next round of plantings are scheduled for fall / early winter 2024 along the streets of Trenton and in its parks.

Through 2050, the trees planted during this project will:

• sequester nearly 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide
• intercept more than 14 million gallons of rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff by 2 million gallons
• promote tree equity and benefit 14 overburdened Trenton neighborhoods
• restore the treescapes of historic Cadwalader Park and Mill Hill Park
• aid in the restoration of historic districts including the D&R Canal, Berkley Square, State House, Mill Hill, and Ewing-Carroll Historic District to their original grandeur.

Planting the right tree, in the right place, in the right way will lead to beautiful streets in our community.

Benefits of Urban Forestry

By expanding the tree canopy in Trenton and beyond, our communities will reap a multitude of benefits.

New Jersey is the third fastest warming state in the country, according to the nonprofit Climate Central, and temperatures have increased by about 3.5 degrees since 1970. Trees increase shade, thereby reducing high temperatures for residents. Shading homes and businesses also reduces the use of air conditioners and associated energy costs. Trees can also mitigate air pollutants, naturally filtering out harmful particles while releasing oxygen. They can also decrease runoff and lessen flooding by intercepting and absorbing rain.

Get Involved

Newly planted trees take around two years to become established. During this time, care is essential to the survival of the trees. Participation by city residents, including their help watering the trees and ensuring they are protected from damage, will be critical to growing healthy trees. We must all work together to reap the benefits of these plantings for generations to come.

Public programs will also be offered as part of the project to increase awareness of the overall importance and value of trees in urban communities, as well as associated health benefits and improved quality of life.

To learn more about opportunities, or to request a tree for your neighborhood, email info@njconservation.org.