Re-Tree is encouraging block clubs and community organizations to request free trees for their April plantings. As part of the 20th anniversary of the disastrous October Surprise snowstorm in 2006, which decimated so many trees in our neighborhoods, ReTree is doing what it does best…
“This is our 20th year since the devastating early snowstorm of October 12, 2006, and we are still active in support of a tree canopy in the City of Buffalo,” said Paul D. Maurer, the group’s founder and chairman.
Most groups will be allotted up to 12-20 trees to plant. This is based on the size of the group involved and submitted addresses that qualify. The trees and supplies are free of charge.
The October storm resulted in the destruction of 57,000 trees in the public areas of eighteen WNY municipalities. As of March of this year, over 60,000 trees have been restored thanks to ReTree efforts. These miraculous results are thanks to people who have volunteered their time and donated funds to help restore the substantial loss of trees.
Here’s how the Buffalo Street Planting works:
- A group of three or more needs to canvass their neighbors for permission to plant in front of their properties.
- The group then submits the addresses to Re-Tree who compiles the list and sends them to the City of Buffalo for approval.
- Once approved, the group agrees to send at least one of its members to a free bare-root tree planting workshop, scheduled for Saturday, April 18th at Compass East, formerly Sheehan Hospital, at 425 Michigan Avenue. The seminar is run by area tree professionals and coordinated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension with support from Re-Tree and the Buffalo Green Fund.
- Once approved by the City, the group will receive a list of species and addresses where planting can take place. Trees, stakes, ties, and mulch will be distributed to the group on Friday, April 24th at 1120 Seneca Street, the City of Buffalo Engineering complex.
The deadline is fast approaching to submit address lists. Re-Tree needs address submissions by Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Log onto BuffaloGreenFund.org/volunteer to register and submit the name of the group, location, and addresses of tree locations requested.