Philly

Sign up to plant trees from November 17-21st

PHS is planting over 1350 trees, and you can help

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and over 80 of its Tree Tenders groups are planting over 1350 trees in mid-November. The plantings will enhance tree canopies in Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Benefits of trees and a larger tree canopy (the area of land shaded by trees) include lower rates of violence and better health outcomes, like lower numbers of heat-related illness. However, the Philadelphia region’s tree canopy declined by 6% from 2008-2018, averaging only 20% tree canopy, according to a study by the City of Philadelphia and University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab. Some Philadelphia neighborhoods have as little as 2.5% tree coverage.

Interested volunteers can sign up for 2-3 hour shifts for the tree plantings. Proof of vaccinations are required. Volunteres are asked to bring a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves, close-toed shoes, a shovel if you have one, and a water bottle.

How to sign up:

1. Visit the Map of Fall 2021 Tree Tenders Planting Events. 
2. Find a location that still needs volunteers by clicking the GREEN?location pins on the map. Note: some locations have already met the required number of volunteers. 
3. Register to volunteer via the link in the pop-up. 
4. Review the location, date, and time of the event. 

5. Click “Sign Up” and follow directions on how to register. 


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Vacant lot greening, A challenge to the school board, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Teens turn vacant lot into green space. Since…

5 days ago

The Philly Passive House: What does a home without fossil fuels look like?

Inside a Francisville Passive House project, Green Philly attendees saw how airtight construction, insulation, efficient…

6 days ago

New trash bill, utility assistance, National Estuaries Week, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Council considers new bill for waste disposal contract.…

2 weeks ago

Announcing the SustainPHL 2026 Nominees

Meet the local leaders, organizations and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia. Philadelphia has welcomed…

2 weeks ago

Trolley tunnel closures, Fall foliage predictions & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia is experiencing some of the largest rain…

3 weeks ago

What Does It Mean to Practice Community?

Individual choices matter, but building sustainable communities also requires cooperation, shared resources and stronger relationships.…

3 weeks ago