While the planting season was somewhat curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trees for Houston was able to plant more than 13,000 trees this year, the organization announced in a press release Monday.

“Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we had to cancel more than 15 volunteer plantings and community outreach events, which would have resulted in 5,000 additional trees being planted this season,” said Trees for Houston Executive Director Barry Ward.

The organization is continuing to work to add trees to the Greater Houston area through partnerships with local and regional organizations including FedEx, Coca Cola and Chevron, according to the press release. Trees help reduce air pollution and stormwater runoff, mitigate noise, provide shade, slow erosion and can aid in reducing stress. They also provide food and habitat for the community, the release said.

Trees were planted in 18 locations throughout the Houston area and the organization is planning more plantings starting in the fall.

“We are continuing to move forward with planning many planting and maintenance projects along with tree giveaways for the fall. With consistent funding, we are confident that our organization will be able to reach our goal of planting and distributing more than 20,000 trees next year,” Ward said.