The ‘great trees’ of NYC: Parks updates list for the first time in 40 years
An American Elm in Tompkins Square Park. All photos courtesy of NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney
Of New York City’s seven million trees, these 120 rise above the rest. NYC Parks on Tuesday released its first update to the “Great Trees of New York City” list since 1985, adding 61 new trees across the five boroughs that stand out for their unique size, shape, species, and historical significance. The newcomers were selected from over 270 public submissions made between April 2023 and March 2024 and chosen by a committee of experts from colleges, civic institutions, authors, and arborists.
First created nearly four decades ago, the list highlights a handful of great trees among the seven million that make up the city’s vibrant urban canopy. Since then, more trees have grown, and recent events have made additional specimens eligible for a spot on the list.
Presently, only 59 of the original 113 are still around, with 14 in the Bronx, 13 in Brooklyn, 14 in Manhattan, and nine each in Queens and Staten Island, according to the New York Times.
“New York City’s trees represent a critical part of the cultural and historical fabric of our neighborhoods and communities, and it is a joy to release the final product of hundreds of proud and engaged New Yorkers submitting their nominations for the trees they love,” NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said.
“When the original list was produced in 1985, New Yorkers could hardly imagine the changes we would see in our city, and through those many years our trees have served as neighborhood touchstones, historical reminders, and unique symbols of our diverse urban forest.”
Here are some highlights of the newly recognized great trees:
- American Elm in Mapes Park, the Bronx – This massive American Elm inspired a neighborhood to advocate for its preservation during renovations in Mapes Park and is a shining example of how connected New Yorkers are to the trees in their community.
- American Linden in Joyce Kilmer Park, the Bronx – On November 20, 2015, NYC Parks celebrated the planting of the one-millionth tree in the MillionTreesNYC Project. The tree marks the culmination of a landmark program that has become a model for cities across the world.
- Ginkgo tree on MacDonough Street in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn – This beautiful tree sits next to the mansion of the United Order of Tents, a black women’s fraternal order that has served their community for over 150 years.
- Osage Orange Tree in Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan – This tree, with its unique twisting trunk, has been featured in art exhibitions and provides shade to a relaxing corner of one of Harlem’s largest parks.
- Tulip Tree in Alley Pond Park, Queens – Measuring 133 feet tall, this massive 350-year-old tree connects New Yorkers to their past, spanning centuries of change and standing the test of time.
- English Yew in Hero Park, Staten Island – Believed to be one of the original 155 Evergreen trees planted in 1920 to honor Staten Island residents who died in WWI, this unique tree is a prime example of the many interesting trees in NYC parks.
NYC Parks cares for nearly 5.7 million—or 81 percent—of the city’s trees. The department planted a record-breaking 18,000 trees during fiscal year 2024, continuing a three-year trend of canopy growth during Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
This achievement represents the largest tree planting total in the past eight years and is a significant step toward the administration’s goal of achieving 30 percent canopy cover citywide.
You can locate and learn more about each of the great trees here.
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