Planting Zones of New York State

lawn in front of a house in Livonia, New York

Whether you’re in the snowy Adirondacks or the busy streets of NYC, knowing your USDA hardiness zone is key to a thriving garden. New York spans planting zones 4a to 7b, each with its own gardening challenges and opportunities.

In this article, we’ll walk you through each zone and share additional resources to help your outdoor space thrive in the local climate. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started. 

Plant Hardiness Zone Map of New York

Here’s the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map of New York to help you visualize the different zones across the state:

usda plant hardiness map new york
Photo Credit: USDA

Read this guide — “How to Use the Updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map” — to discover how understanding your zone can lead to a healthier, more resilient garden tailored to your local climate.

What Planting Zone Is New York?

Let’s break down New York’s USDA Hardiness Zones so you can see which cities and regions fall into each one. But first, here’s a quick overview of some of the top areas in New York and their respective planting zones:

CityUSDA Hardiness Zone
Albany6a
Binghamton6a
Brooklyn7b
Buffalo6b
Long Island7a – 7b
NYC7b
Queens7b
Rochester6b
Syracuse6a
Upstate NY4a – 7b

Zone 4a: -30 F to -25 F

This zone is found in the colder regions of the Adirondack Mountains, including villages like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. It’s the coldest zone in the state, requiring hardy plants like wild bergamot that can withstand severe winters.

Pro Tip: Check out our article — “Best New York Native Plants” — to learn which plants can thrive across the state’s climate zones.

Zone 4b: -25 F to -20 F

Similar to Zone 4a but slightly warmer, Zone 4b covers towns such as Massena and Indian Lake. It’s still quite cold, so choose plants that can handle chilly temperatures, like beardtongue.

Zone 5a: -20 F to -15 F

Zone 5a includes cities like Watertown and Plattsburgh. This zone experiences cold winters but is a bit more temperate compared to Zones 4a and 4b.

Zone 5b: -15 F to -10 F

Expanding into parts of central New York, including areas around Utica and Rome, Zone 5b is suitable for a variety of cold-tolerant plants, including New England aster and American black elderberry.

Zone 6a: -10 F to -5 F

Zone 6a covers areas such as the Hudson Valley and the cities of Albany, Syracuse, Binghamton, and Ithaca. The winters here can be severe, making it necessary to winterize your lawn and plants. Here are a few articles to help with these fall chores:

Zone 6b: -5 F to 0 F

Spanning cities like Rochester, Newark, Poughkeepsie, and Buffalo, Zone 6b is warmer compared to the more northern zones, but the winters can still be brutal. Remember to winterize your sprinkler system and lawn mower once the lawn care season has ended:

Zone 7a: 0 F to 5 F

Zone 7a covers some of Suffolk County on Long Island, including Westhampton and parts of Southampton, as well as the cities of White Plains and Peekskill. This zone experiences relatively mild winters, allowing for a broad range of plants to thrive. It’s ideal for those who want a garden with more variety and less winter hardship.

Zone 7b: 5 F to 10 F

In New York’s warmest zone of 7b, you’ll find New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, as well as parts of Long Island and Suffolk County, Montauk, and Yonkers. With milder winters, this zone is perfect for a wide variety of plants, like common buttonbush, that need less frost protection.

Lawn Care Tips for New York

Caring for your lawn effectively in New York requires adapting to the specific conditions of your planting zone. 

In colder zones, like 4a and 4b, ensure your lawn receives adequate winter protection and adjust your watering schedule to prevent freezing. 

In milder zones like 6b to 7b, you can be a bit more flexible with your lawn care routine, but still, monitor for frost and adjust watering as needed.

For more detailed lawn care tips for the Empire State, check out our guides:

Call a Pro for Help

Understanding your planting zone is the first step to a beautiful and flourishing garden. Whether you’re in New York City, Buffalo, Yonkers, or another city, knowing your zone helps you select the perfect plants for your space. 

For expert lawn care help in NY state, don’t hesitate to contact local landscaping services. With their expertise, your outdoor space will surely thrive all year round.

Main Image Credit: A house in Livonia, New York / Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Rela Catucod

Rela Catucod, a writer and gardening enthusiast, blends her expertise in nurturing plants with helpful tips in her articles. With experience in caring for orchids and succulents, she knows the secrets to keeping plants healthy. She aims to assist garden lovers in cultivating thriving, beautiful gardens in their homes.