Some hurricanes are so powerful, their heartbreaking aftermath is ingraned in our memory. Long after the camera crews leave and headlines fade, the devastation remains raw and real, echoing for years in the lives of those affected.
When trees are integrated in the recovery efforts, they help communities rebuild stronger. We know that without action, strong storms will continue to leave destruction in their wake. But with every tree we plant, every partnership we foster, and every effort we make together to restore communities and forests, we’re a step closer to a brighter tomorrow.
In the eye of the storm
According to a 2024 study, higher ocean temperatures intensified every hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean that year, increasing both wind speed and flood-producing rainfall.
*Based on news reports and studies
18mph
Average increase of windspeed due to climate conditions
10%
Heavier rainfall from Hurricane Helene due to a warmer ocean
9
Consecutive seasons with above average storm activity
Storms that changed the game
Hurricane Katrina
One of the most devastating hurricanes in our history, Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans, causing $161 billion in damages, taking more than a thousand lives, and displacing millions. It exposed the flaws in our nation’s disaster response and underscored a need — one the Arbor Day Foundation answered by leading tree recovery efforts to help residents reclaim their sense of home.
Hurricane Sandy
One of the largest Atlantic hurricanes on record, Sandy traveled an unusual path that brought it into densely populated cities, creating large storm surges in New York and New Jersey. It caused $70 billion in damage and claimed more than 200 lives. Tree loss was immeasurable. Thanks to our longstanding relationship with the New Jersey Forest Service, we spent the next decade helping replace what was lost — distributing hundreds of thousands of trees to homeowners and communities. Restoring the beauty and benefits of trees not only offers hope and healing, but also helps reduce the impact of future storms.
Hurricane Ian
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes — but storms like Ian leave communities devastated. With sustained winds of 150 mph, Ian struck Florida as a powerful category 4 storm. It was the state’s deadliest since 1935, and the strongest since 2018. The damage totaled about $112 billion, making it the third costliest storm in the United States. Recovery stretched over years. We helped promote healing by bringing tens of thousands of trees to storm-stricken communities large and small.
Hurricane Michael
No one could have predicted that Hurricane Michael, which started as a weaker storm, would become the strongest to hit the contiguous U.S. in nearly 50 years. It caused $1.3 billion in timber loss, damaged 2.8 million acres and impacted more than 200 communities. The destruction we saw firsthand in Panama City was sobering. While we’ve worked with the Florida Forest Service for years, Hurricane Michael marked the start of our tree recovery partnership in Florida. We continue to plant and distribute trees to help restore the beauty and benefit of the landscape.
Trees always provide
After the immediate needs and safety of residents have been met, and the debris is cleared, planting trees is an important part of the hurricane recovery process.
Improved air quality
Trees pull carbon dioxide from the air, convert it into energy that fuels their growth, and release oxygen to help us breathe easier.
Rainwater management
Trees act like natural sponges during storms. Their canopies intercept rainfall, preventing much of it from reaching the ground, while their roots absorb water, reducing the volume of stormwater that would otherwise create flooding and runoff.
Restored habitat
Severe storms disrupt fragile ecosystems. Replanting trees restores critical habitat, bringing back shelter and food sources for all living things.
Soil protection
Tree root systems work like anchors. They bind the soil, which helps stabilize it, preventing erosion, and supporting other plant life.
Energy use reduction
Strategically planted and properly managed trees can lower energy use. They produce shade that reduces cooling needs in warmer months and act as windbreaks that cut heating costs in cooler months.
Community resilience
Trees are a beacon of hope and healing, improving the mental and physical well-being of residents while providing a place for neighbors to meet and connect.
Our approach
Staying connected
When hurricanes threaten, we stay vigilant — tracking their paths and monitoring where and when they’ll make landfall. Our first priority is always the safety of our local planting partners, whom we consider family. We check in before the storm hits and remain in close contact in the days and weeks that follow. As they begin assessing damage and picking up the pieces, we stay by their side, ready to jump in when the time is right. Our relationships are rooted in trust, care, and shared purpose. In the immediate aftermath, we know that it’s not yet time for trees. It’s time to listen, learn, and lend support.
Assessing damage
Every hurricane leaves its distinct mark. Our local partners act quickly to assess the unique damages of each storm. Soil, saturation, erosion, salt contamination, and debris are all part of the equation. Some storms flatten trees, while others leave hidden internal or root damage. But recovery isn’t just about replanting where a tree once stood. It’s about planting with intention — choosing the right time and location that support lasting growth, renewal, and resilience. Our partners know their communities best, and they guide us to where trees can make the greatest difference.
Coordinating support
Before a single tree is planted, we advocate for our partners, organizing support. That could mean connecting them with others in our global network of planting partners, where they can access guidance, advice, and peer-to-peer insights from those who’ve faced similar disasters. Whatever they need to serve their community, we help them make it happen.
Always prepared
Sometimes, tree planting can begin soon after debris is cleared. In other cases, the land and people need time. We never impose a timeline. We follow the lead of our partners, trusting their insights and experiences on when and where to plant. When they say the time is right, we’re ready.
Invested in partnerships
Recovery can take months, or it can take years. No matter the timeline, we stand with our partners and their communities every step of the way. Some areas are still piecing life back together decades after storms. We’re planting in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, where recovery after Hurricane Katrina continues to this day. We’ve worked for years with the New Jersey Forest Service following Hurricane Sandy. And we'll keep showing up, wherever our partners need us to help their communities heal, rebuild, and grow stronger.
Empower ongoing work after Helene and Milton
Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through 10 southeastern states, uprooting forests and communities. We've pledged to plant 10 million trees to help these places and people recover for years to come, and we need your help to make it happen.
Recovery in communities
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast. As the story left the news cycle, tree barren communities remained. Recognizing the scope of the problem, we partnered with organizations to distribute trees to affected homeowners — an effort that we’ve since expanded globally. Through our tree recovery program, we provide free trees for areas who’ve lost them to hurricanes and other natural disasters, helping restore the canopy and community. Thanks to our expanding global network of planting partners, we’re delivering the right trees, to the right places, at the right time.
Strengthening forests
When hurricanes tear through forests, they don’t just uproot trees — they unravel entire ecosystems. Wildlife habitats disappear, biodiversity declines, air and water quality suffer, and future storm protection weakens. That’s why timely planting matters. By equipping local planting partners with trees and resources, we help rebuild resilient landscapes. Because when a hurricane strikes one part of the country, its impact ripples far beyond the storm’s path.
Planting hope
We all have a role to play in planting trees, not just to replace those lost, but to grow a resilient vibrant future. With your support, we’re bold enough to believe in better days ahead.