The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Welcomes Spring with Volunteer Tree Planting in the Philadelphia Region

Volunteers can register to help unload and plant 650 trees across the Philadelphia region from April 14-19.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – March 24, 2026 - The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is ushering in the return of the spring season by planting trees throughout the Greater Philadelphia region from April 14-19, 2026. With assistance from its network of PHS Tree Tenders groups, volunteers, and community organizations, 650 trees will be distributed and planted across local neighborhoods. 

Tree distribution will take place from April 14-17 at the Philabundance Warehouse (401 Domino Lane, Philadelphia PA), where volunteers will help unload and sort hundreds of bare-root trees before they are delivered to communities across the region, with neighborhood planting events scheduled for April 18-19. This semi-annual initiative is part of PHS’s ongoing commitment to grow the Philadelphia region’s tree canopy and promote healthier, greener communities. 

“Spring is a season of growth and renewal, and there’s no better way to welcome it than by planting trees across our neighborhoods,” said Dan Preziosi, PHS Director of Trees. “Each tree we plant strengthens the city’s canopy, improves community health, and gives neighbors a chance to come together and care for the places they call home.” 

PHS carefully matches each tree to the planting site, considering factors such as soil, sunlight, infrastructure, and community needs to ensure long-term growth and impact. Trees planted by PHS and its Tree Tenders groups have a survival rate exceeding 85%, helping to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and create vibrant, thriving neighborhoods across the Greater Philadelphia region. By planting the right trees in the right places and working with PHS Tree Tenders groups, PHS ensures that each tree contributes meaningfully to the region’s growing canopy and the well-being of the communities it serves. 

PHS Tree Tenders groups are at the heart of PHS’s mission to grow and sustain the region’s urban forest. Over 55 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. 

There are two opportunities where volunteers can assist. 

• Sorting and distribution of trees from April 14-17. 

• Planting of trees from April 18-19.

To learn more, please visit PHSOnline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved. 

TREE SORTING AND DISTRIBUTION

PHS is seeking volunteers to participate in tree sorting and distribution days. This spring’s tree sorting and distribution will take place at the Philabundance Warehouse between April 14-17. Volunteers, led by PHS staff, will help unload, sort, and assist in distributing 650 bare root trees to neighborhood Tree Tenders groups. To sign up to volunteer during a tree distribution day, please visit this link: PHS Volunteer Programs   

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 April 18-19. 

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: PHS Volunteer Programs  

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 program offers semi-annual, affordable training in tree planting and care for individuals and volunteer groups. Since the program began more than 30 years ago, over 6,200 volunteers have been certified as Tree Tenders, contributing to the planting of more than 36,000 trees across the Greater Philadelphia region. For more information on how to become a PHS Tree Tender in your neighborhood, visit: PHS Tree Programs. 

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 supports other greening initiatives around the region. Give today at: Support PHS.  

Tree Tenders Planting Sponsors 

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.     

PHS is expanding its tree planting efforts through the launch of TreeKeeper, an innovative software platform designed to streamline the process of requesting and tracking street trees across Philadelphia. Supported by the Arbor Day Foundation and its partner Truist, TreeKeeper enhances tree inventory management, improves record-keeping, and allows residents and volunteers to follow the status of tree requests in real time. By making it easier to apply for and monitor tree plantings, the platform helps PHS and its Tree Tenders volunteers grow and sustain a stronger urban forest across the region. 

Additional sponsors include 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.    

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.