The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Hosts Fall Tree Planting Event in Philadelphia Region

Volunteers can register to help unload and plant over 1,100 trees from November 11-17 

November 4, 2025 – PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), in partnership with over 75 Tree Tenders groups, community organizations and neighborhood volunteers, will bring a wave of greenery across the Philadelphia region during its fall 2025 tree planting from November 11-17, 2025. This semi-annual event kicks off with a tree unloading and distribution at the Philabundance Warehouse (401 Domino Lane, Philadelphia, PA) from November 11-14, where hundreds of trees will be carefully prepared for planting by local volunteers and PHS Tree Tenders groups. 

Tree Tenders groups are at the heart of PHS’s mission to grow and sustain the region’s urban forest. Over 75 community groups will be planting and caring for new trees during the week and throughout the planting season. These committed Tree Tenders provide essential support by ensuring the health and survivability of the trees, sharing expert knowledge, and rallying neighbors to become stewards of their local environment. 

Planting for Success 

Beyond simply planting trees, PHS prioritizes long-term survival of every tree added to the urban canopy. Research and on-the-ground data show that trees planted by PHS and its Tree Tenders have a survival rate exceeding 85%, even amid challenging conditions such as changing climate patterns, urban stressors, and limited green space. 

This success is driven by PHS’s careful “right tree, right place” strategy, which matches species to appropriate sites based on factors including soil, sunlight, infrastructure, and community needs. PHS carefully selects tree species suited to Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods and urban conditions, helping to mitigate potential conflicts with infrastructure, ensuring long-term growth and allowing each tree to contribute meaningfully to cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and stronger communities. 

Planting the right tree in the right location is critical to urban forestry success. Research shows Philadelphia’s current tree canopy covers approximately 20% of the city’s land area, far below the healthy target of 30%. Some neighborhoods have as little as 2.5% coverage, making targeted plantings essential for improving air quality, mitigating urban heat, and supporting community health. Healthy urban tree canopies provide numerous benefits, including reducing air pollution, lowering urban heat island effects, improving mental and physical health, and even decreasing violence rates. According to a study by the US Forest Service, reaching a 30% tree canopy in Philadelphia could prevent over 400 premature deaths annually, with the greatest impact in lower-income neighborhoods disproportionately affected by heat and pollution. 

“We are thrilled to continue our annual fall tree planting tradition, which not only helps build Philadelphia’s urban canopy but also brings communities together in a shared commitment to a healthier environment,” said Dan Preziosi, PHS Director of Trees. “Our volunteers and PHS Tree Tenders are the backbone of this effort, and their dedication makes a tangible difference in neighborhoods across the region. By planting the right trees in the right places, we’re improving quality of life and resilience for years to come.” 

There are two opportunities where volunteers can assist: 

• Sorting and distribution of trees from November 11-14. 

• Planting of trees from November 13-17. 

Tree Sorting and Distribution 

PHS is seeking volunteers to participate in tree sorting and distribution days. This year’s tree sorting and distribution will take place at the Philabundance Warehouse between November 11-14. Volunteers, led by PHS staff, will help unload, sort, and assist in distributing over 1,100 bare root trees to neighborhood Tree Tenders groups. To sign up to volunteer during a Tree Distribution Day, please visit this link:  https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved. 

How to Use This Link: 

• Find a Tree Sorting & Distribution shift and job role that suits your schedule and click on the role that interests you.  

• Click the “sign up” button on the right-hand side of the screen. 

• Follow the prompts to log in or create a VolunteerHub account to complete your registration. 

Tree Planting 

No experience is necessary to participate in tree planting or unloading. The tree planting process typically takes about 3 hours at the specified location. Tree plantings will take place from November 13-17.  

A PHS Tree Tenders group leader will be present at all planting sites to guide and encourage volunteers. Everyone is asked to bring hand sanitizer, gloves, closed-toed shoes, and a water bottle. Planting tools such as shovels, pickaxes, brooms, garbage bags, and other items will be supplied on-site. Participants are also advised to dress for the weather as plantings will take place rain or shine. To sign up to volunteer during a Tree Planting Day, please visit this link: https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved. 

How to Use This Link: 

• Find a Tree Tenders planting group that suits your schedule and click on the role that interests you.  

• Click the “sign up” button on the right-hand side of the screen. 

• Follow the prompts to log in or create a VolunteerHub account to complete your registration. 

PHS Tree Tenders Training 

The PHS Tree Tenders’ semi-annual training program provides low-cost instruction in tree care to individuals and volunteer organizations. To date, over 6,200 people have become certified PHS Tree Tenders, helping plant over 35,000 trees in Greater Philadelphia neighborhoods since the program's debut over 30 years ago. For more information on how to become a PHS Tree Tender in your neighborhood, visit: https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved 

Other Ways to Support Tree Plantings  

You can also support PHS’s tree planting programs by making a gift today. Each spring and fall, PHS works with volunteers across the Greater Philadelphia region to plant trees at little or no cost to residents. Donations to PHS provide critical funding that supplies the trees, tools, and resources needed to make these plantings possible as well as other greening initiatives around the region. Give today at PHSonline.org/patrees. 

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY  

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia Region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer. For information and to support this impactful work, please visit PHSonline.org.   

TREE TENDERS PLANTING SPONSORS 

Many organizations help advance PHS’s work to create healthy living environments and build deeper social connections in the city and region. Major support for PHS Tree Tenders programs, PHS Tree Tenders plantings, and the PHS effort to restore the area’s tree canopy is made possible by PECO.    

Additional sponsors include Accenture, AQUA Pennsylvania, Arbor Day Foundation, Asplundh, Bank of America, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Marshall Reynolds Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Division of Housing and Community Development, The Philadelphia Phillies, Subaru of America, the TD Charitable Foundation, Truist, and the William Penn Foundation.   

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