Summer in New York City can be tough on street trees. Hot pavement, long stretches without rain, and high temperatures can put young trees under stress, but a little care can make a big difference. Our Street Tree Care program by Big Reuse helps care for New York City’s urban canopy year-round, especially during the summer when it is one of the most important times to get involved.
Why Street Trees Need Extra Care
Street trees do so much more than make our neighborhoods beautiful. They provide shade, improve air quality, help reduce the urban heat island effect, manage stormwater, and create healthier streets for people and wildlife. During the summer, young trees can become stressed from extreme heat and dry conditions. Giving them a little extra care now helps them grow stronger for years to come.
Water Is the Best Gift You Can Give a Tree
If you want to help a street tree this summer, watering is one of the most effective things you can do. Newly planted trees generally need about 15 to 20 gallons of water weekly, especially during hot, dry weather. Instead of pouring water quickly onto the surface, let it soak slowly into the soil so it reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
When Should You Water?
The best time to water is early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Watering during these times helps reduce evaporation, allowing more water to soak into the soil and reach the roots rather than evaporate in the midday heat.
When you water, do it slowly and directly into the tree bed rather than onto the trunk or leaves. This gives the soil time to absorb the water and encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the tree stronger over time. If the soil feels dry a few inches below the surface, it's a good sign the tree could use a drink.
During heat waves or long periods without rain, young street trees may need extra watering to stay healthy. A few minutes of care each week can help reduce stress, encourage healthy growth, and give newly planted trees a better chance to thrive through the summer. And as a bonus, watering in the morning or evening is much more comfortable if you're the one carrying the watering can!
Don’t Forget About Mulch!
Mulch helps protect a tree by retaining soil moisture, reducing evaporation, keeping roots cooler in hot weather, and slowing weed growth. While Big Reuse currently focuses on watering, litter removal, and caring for tree beds during our Street Tree Care events, mulch is another helpful way to support healthy street trees where appropriate.
Find a Tree Near You
Use our Street Tree Map to find public street trees near you and help keep your neighborhood greener this summer. Whether you’re heading out for a walk, walking the dog, or enjoying the evening outside, bringing along a bucket of water can make a real difference. You can also visit some of the newly planted trees from our Spring 2026 planting season.
Get Involved!
Visit the links below to learn more about our Street Tree Care volunteer events, corporate volunteer opportunities, use our Street Tree Map to find a tree near you, and explore the newly planted trees from our Spring 2026 season in Brooklyn Navy Yard and Cypress Hills.
You can learn more about our tree planting project and how to care for newly planted street trees by exploring our Street Tree Information & Resource Guide.
Written by NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellow Tatiana Guerra