RG&E to plant Trees at Mt. Hope Cemetery for Arbor Day

Company working with City of Rochester to help reforest our communities 

Part of RG&E’s commitment to the environment, replacing decaying trees 

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — April 25, 2025 — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) is working with the City of Rochester to help reforest its communities. RG&E employees will plant trees at Mt. Hope Cemetery on Arbor Day, Friday, April 25.  

 

“Planting trees in our communities has countless benefits. They improve air quality and provide shade to help cool urban surroundings,” said Kevin Fagan, ISA certified arborist for RG&E. “Trees help reduce erosion, filter storm water, support wildlife, reduce noise, and improve our overall mental and physical health.”  

 

RG&E, along with Birchcrest Tree & Landscape, will plant Sugar Maple, Red Oak, and White Oak trees at the cemetery. These species were chosen because they are native to New York and because these trees will be planted away from overhead power lines. It’s beneficial to plant native trees because they adapt well to their local environment and require fewer resources to flourish. These trees also create a habitat and food for animals, birds, and pollinators. 

 

Each year, RG&E plants trees for municipalities throughout its service areas in celebration of Arbor Day. While trees are a leading cause of power interruptions, the Company’s vegetation management crews work to trim and maintain them along power lines, an important part of providing safe and reliable service to customers. 

 

This initiative is part of RG&E’s commitment to the environment, recognizing the value trees have in neighborhoods by replacing those removed due to decay and age.