Tree City USA 2025: How Newark is Fighting Heat Waves with 5,000 New Trees

As the concrete heat of summer looms on the horizon, the City of Newark has officially been recognized for its efforts to provide residents with a cooler, healthier, and more vibrant urban landscape. Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced yesterday that the Arbor Day Foundation has named Newark a 2025 Tree City USA, a prestigious national recognition that honors cities committed to effective urban forestry management.

This announcement marks a historic turnaround for the city’s environmental policy. While Newark has received this honor nine times in the past, this year’s designation is the first time in fifteen years that the city has met the rigorous standards required by the Arbor Day Foundation.

A Decade-Long Vision for a Greener Newark

The recognition comes as a direct result of the Rooted in Newark initiative, a tree canopy expansion program launched on Earth Day last year. The city has set an ambitious goal to plant 5,000 trees over the next 10 years, a move designed to transform Newark’s aesthetic and environmental DNA.

“Newark is becoming greener every year – bringing vitality and freshness to our community,” said Mayor Baraka. “We’ve prioritized this investment so that future generations inherit a healthier, safer, and more beautiful urban environment. We are proud and honored to receive this recognition.”

Since the launch of “Rooted in Newark,” the city has already successfully planted 1,137 trees. These aren’t just decorative additions; they are strategically placed in neighborhoods that historically suffer from “extreme heat islands”—areas where a lack of greenery causes temperatures to skyrocket compared to suburban neighbors.

Why the Tree City USA Status Matters

To achieve Tree City USA status, Newark had to prove it met four core standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters, and the USDA Forest Service. These include:

1. Maintaining a dedicated tree board or department.
2. Having a community tree ordinance in place.
3. Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry.
4. Participating in an annual Arbor Day celebration.

Newark didn’t just meet the spending requirement; it shattered it. In 2025, the city invested $9.61 per capita on tree planting and maintenance—nearly five times the national minimum. This investment reflects a shift in how the city views its natural infrastructure.

The Health and Economic Benefits for Residents

Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Hewitt-Cabral emphasizes that the “Tree City” title is about much more than just “beautification.” The expansion of the tree canopy has direct, measurable impacts on the daily lives of Newarkers.

“These trees work toward reducing Newark’s urban heat island effect,” Hewitt-Cabral explained. “They play a vital role in improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff that leads to flooding—directly benefiting residents’ health and safety.”

The benefits of a robust urban forest include:

• Lower Energy Costs: Properly placed trees can shade homes, reducing air conditioning bills by up to 30%.
• Mental Health: Studies show that increased greenery in urban areas reduces stress and improves school performance for children.
• Property Values: Tree-lined streets are consistently rated as more desirable, boosting the equity of Newark homeowners.
• Safety: Greenery has been linked to reduced traffic speeds and improved community cohesion.

For lifelong residents like Arnold Cohen, the change is visible. “My dreams came true when I walked down Lafayette Street and saw block after block of trees,” Cohen said. “It’s fantastic that Newark has once again become a Tree City USA.”

Get Involved: Free Trees for Newark Residents

The City is inviting residents to be part of this green revolution. As part of Earth Month, the Office of Sustainability is hosting volunteer planting events and free tree giveaways. Newarkers can reserve trees—including fruit-bearing varieties like apricot, plum, and persimmon—for their own properties.

Upcoming Volunteer & Giveaway Events (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.):

• April 18: Riverbank Park (Market and Ferguson Streets)
• April 25: Branch Brook Park (Lake Street and Elwood Avenue)
• May 9: Nat Turner Park (Muhammad Ali Avenue near Boyd Street)

Tools, supplies, and lunch will be provided for volunteers. Residents interested in claiming a free tree or volunteering can register through the city’s official portal.

Planting a Resilient Future

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Vice President of Programs, Michelle Saulnier, praised Newark’s leadership, noting that “tree champions” like Newark are essential to building resilient cities.

As Newark continues to expand its canopy, the focus remains on equity. By prioritizing the South and West Wards—areas that have historically had less access to green space—the Baraka administration is ensuring that the environmental and health benefits of the Tree City USA program are felt by all residents, regardless of their zip code.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to lower your summer cooling costs or a resident wanting to breathe cleaner air, the “Rooted in Newark” movement offers a path toward a more sustainable Brick City.