The City of Durham announced on April 16 two new sustainability milestones ahead of Earth Day: a record-breaking season for tree planting and the opening of a free public mulch yard beginning April 18.
City Manager Bo Ferguson said, “This Earth Day, we’re celebrating real, tangible progress toward a greener Durham. From planting thousands of trees in neighborhoods that need them most to creating new ways for residents to reuse natural materials, these efforts reflect our commitment to sustainability, equity, and the long-term health of our community.”
The Urban Forestry Division completed its 2025–2026 season by adding 2,836 new street trees across Durham. This is the highest number planted in nearly a century. The trees were placed along public rights-of-way and are expected to help improve air quality, provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, and lower energy costs for residents. The nonprofit Keep Durham Beautiful partnered with the city on this effort by focusing outreach in areas with historically low tree canopy; more than 1,300 trees were planted in these priority neighborhoods.
This work is part of an ongoing plan to plant 8,500 street trees over three years in areas lacking canopy coverage. The city aims to reach a goal of 55% tree canopy coverage by 2040. Durham also received its Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation after meeting national urban forestry standards.
Tree species are chosen based on their ability to thrive locally and help reduce heat effects as they mature. Funding for some aspects comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
In addition to tree planting efforts, General Services will open a new mulch yard at 2011 Fay Street starting April 18. Residents can pick up free wood chips between 8 a.m. and noon on scheduled dates through June while supplies last; staff will assist loading larger vehicles but participants must load smaller containers themselves.
Officials encourage residents to celebrate Earth Day by requesting city-provided trees or volunteering with groups like Keep Durham Beautiful.
