Rochester to Plant 3,000 Trees Focusing on Equity and Climate

Fueled by a combination of state and federal grants, the effort is part of a broader vision to expand Rochester’s urban canopy, combat climate change, and address historical inequities in tree cover.

The planting push is anchored by three major grants totaling nearly $2 million. A Shade Tree Bonding Grant is funding the addition of approximately 1,025 street trees about 820 of which were planted earlier this year, with the remainder scheduled for spring 2026. Meanwhile, a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, will support the planting of 2,000 trees on private property in underserved neighborhoods over the next several years, with a large share targeted for 2025.

The targeted private-property initiative is focused on Census Tracts 1, 2, 3, and 4 areas identified as having lower canopy coverage and higher vulnerability to urban heat. Residents in these neighborhoods have received postcards from the city offering free trees and planting support.

In addition to planting, the city will use a $500,000 ReLeaf Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve care for existing trees through pruning and maintenance. The goal is to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive tree-care cycle, improving tree health and longevity across the city.

Taken together, the 2025 goals are a continuation of Rochester’s expanding urban forestry efforts, which have added more than 4,000 street trees in the past two years. The city’s Urban Forest Master Plan, updated recently, prioritizes biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental justice values that underpin this year’s expanded planting strategy.

As Rochester continues to grow, the city’s investment in its tree canopy is as much about the future as it is about the environment. Each new tree planted offers shade, cleaner air, and a small but vital buffer against the warming climate and ensures that all neighborhoods can share in those benefits.

Link to the Free Tree Program here!