Philly Tree Coalition Plants 18,581 Trees
The coalition planted the trees over 2023-2025 under the city's Philly Tree Plan to expand tree canopy.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Botany
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From 2023 through 2025, the Philly Tree Coalition planted 18,581 trees across Philadelphia as part of the Philly Tree Plan. The coalition has completed 12 of the plan's 26 short-term action items.
Why it matters
The city's tree canopy shrank by 6% between 2008 and 2018, prompting the plan, which aims to raise canopy coverage from 20% to 30% by 2035. Philadelphia residents in priority neighborhoods with low canopy stand to benefit directly from the planting effort.
The coalition conducted 30,415 tree inspections over three years, totaling an estimated 47,157 hours of maintenance time. Whether these efforts will close the gap to the 2035 canopy target is not yet known.
The players
Philly Tree Coalition
The Philly Tree Coalition is a Philadelphia-based group working to expand the city's tree canopy through planting, inspections and maintenance.
The details
Only homeowners can request street trees for the sidewalk outside their property, while any resident or owner can claim a yard tree at the city's spring and fall giveaways. The coalition has made no headway on two short-term action items and has hired a sidewalk coordinator, meeting a long-term goal.
Timeline
2008-2018: The city's canopy shrank by 6% during this period.
2023: The Philly Tree Plan was formulated and adopted.
2023-2025: The coalition planted 18,581 trees over three years.
July: A microburst storm felled or mangled many trees, prompting roughly 400 311 calls.
2028: The next canopy assessment is scheduled.
Seasonal Patterns
The planting follows the Philly Tree Plan adopted in 2023, which was prompted by a canopy decline of 6% between 2008 and 2018. Progress is being measured against the plan's 2035 target of 30% canopy coverage.
Philadelphia homeowners can request a street tree for the sidewalk outside their property. Any resident or owner can claim a yard tree at the city's spring and fall giveaways.
The takeaway
Tree canopy loss compounds over time, so the planting and maintenance work now will determine whether Philadelphia reaches its 2035 goal. Residents who want a tree can request one through the city's channels or claim a yard tree at seasonal giveaways.
What happens next
The next canopy assessment is scheduled for 2028, when the city will measure progress toward the plan's 2035 target.
Further reading
Explore more on Botany to see how urban tree canopy shapes city ecosystems.
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