In modern cities filled with transportation, skyscrapers, and harmful emissions, people increasingly seek to connect with nature. Nearly 27% of New York City’s area is dedicated to public green spaces, making it the greenest large city in the United States. Each year, new trees and shrubs are planted throughout NYC and Queens to create oases amidst the urban hustle. Given the threats posed by deforestation to human health and biodiversity, expanding green spaces is a vital goal. Efforts also include paving sidewalks, driveways, creating flower beds, installing lighting, and more. Learn about how beautification is implemented in Queens and how comfortable living conditions are created for its residents at queens.name.
Innovative Solutions
Queens authorities are increasing green spaces by establishing new parks, gardens, and forests, as well as through innovative solutions. Many local businesses integrate greenery into their spaces. For instance, The Foundry in Long Island City is a popular event venue with a lush ivy-covered greenhouse. Once a steel foundry, it is now a sought-after location for weddings, corporate events, and film shoots. Similarly, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria offers outdoor dining surrounded by trees and plants.
The borough is also seeing an increase in vertical gardens, acknowledging the aesthetic and environmental benefits of greenery. Urban planners design streets, bike paths, and thoroughfares with an emphasis on creating better living conditions for residents.
Environmental Responsibility
By signing the Paris Climate Agreement, New York City has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Builders are developing infrastructure that relies on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. This shift minimizes environmental harm and fosters sustainable urban planning, opening up opportunities for eco-friendly architectural projects.
However, sustainability efforts extend beyond renewable energy to include better management of green spaces. Trees and plants, crucial for absorbing carbon, are essential to life on Earth. Deforestation releases stored carbon, contributing to global warming, and reforestation efforts can take years. In response, New York has implemented responsible forestry practices, with many green spaces located in nature reserves where harmful human activities are prohibited.
For those seeking exotic trees, Kissena Park in Flushing offers a tranquil retreat along the underground Kissena Creek. The park’s serene Kissena Lake, surrounded by weeping willows, provides an idyllic setting for relaxation. Stroll through the park to admire its lush flora and fauna, including a historic grove of exotic trees.
Equitable Access for All
Despite being the greenest large city in the U.S., access to parks and green spaces in New York is unevenly distributed, often along racial and economic lines. Low-income residents, especially in Queens, face limited access to these benefits, making them more vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and poor air quality. To address this disparity, the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) was established.
Between 2012 and the end of 2024, NYRP completed 34 greening projects in Queens, including work on school grounds, clinics, homeless shelters, places of worship, and public spaces. Between 2007 and 2024, NYRP distributed thousands of trees for free across the city’s five boroughs. Initially launched in partnership with NYC Parks under the MillionTreesNYC initiative, which met its goal of planting a million trees by 2015, NYRP has since focused on tree giveaways.
Notably, NYRP owns and manages three community gardens in Queens: Seagirt Boulevard Community Garden in Far Rockaway, Pembroke Avenue Community Garden in Douglaston-Little Neck, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden in Jamaica.
Contribution of the Private Sector
Queens’ beautification also involves contributions from the private sector. Some of the most popular landscaping companies include:
- Anthony & Sons Landscapers
Specializing in landscape design, they offer maintenance services, new landscaping projects, and outdoor living spaces tailored to client needs. Their services include lawn care, backyard retreats, turf installation, irrigation systems, and decorative water features. - Hicks Landscapes
This company creates diverse spaces such as entertainment zones, entryways, patios, and paths. A standout service is the creation of perennial borders, which add beauty year-round without the need for constant replanting. Hicks Landscapes also designs unique pools and water features, along with providing garden bed maintenance. - Right Lawn Care
Focusing on lawn care, they provide fertilization, pest control, and weed management. Dedicated staff ensure clients receive expert advice and solutions for maintaining attractive lawns. Their unlimited support line helps address client concerns promptly.