Tree Planting Program

The Save the Rain Tree Planting Program has developed a robust tree planting strategy for neighborhoods throughout the City of Syracuse. This collaborative initiative will support the planting of 8,500 trees by 2018.

Onondaga County Save the Rain, Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County and Syracuse Parks Department are partnering to identify planting sites and to coordinate tree planting and care. After the tree is planted, the City of Syracuse will oversee watering and pruning of trees. There will be workshops and volunteer planting events to educate interested residents in how to plant and care for their tree.

Trees are an important aspect of Save the Rain. Trees naturally soak up stormwater and use the precipitation to feed their root systems. A tree canopy slows the rainwater with its leaves allowing the soil to become fully saturated with water. The tree is then able to absorb more rain water and reduce run-off entering the sewer system.

As of February of 2013 the project has planted 1249 trees. To view a breakdown of species we have planted please click here.

Do you want a tree?

If you or someone you know is interested in having a tree planted, please contact Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County (315) 424-9485 ext. 230 or email bmb255(at)cornell.edu.

To see if your property is eligible for a street tree, view the following map: Tree Planting Program – Map of Eligible Areas. Please note that only areas highlighted in the blue, yellow, and green are eligible.

Download the Tree Planting Program brochure

More information on tree planting 

Want to learn more about the Urban Forest of Syracuse? 

Syracuse’s Urban Forestry Master Plan

Dave Nowak, Urban Forestry Living on Earth Segment

Syracuse Dept of Parks & Recreation, Forestry Page

Save  the Rain Tree Planting Project Pages:

Arbor Day 2011 – Bellevue Academy Tree Planting 
Schiller Park Community Tree Planting
Union and Demong Parks – Community Tree Planting
Court Woodlawn Tree Planting
Street Tree Program 2011
Arbor Day 2012 – Hughes Magnet School Tree Planting 
Street Tree Program 2012