Blasts of uncontrollable wind tear trees from the ground. Waves of water wash through shaken communities, stripping away a sense of security.
Given the magnitude of damage following a hurricane, trees are—understandably—not the first focus. But once urgent needs are addressed and communities are ready to rebuild, replanting is often a key part of recovery. Whether that’s the following planting season, a few years later, or a decade after the storm hits home. Planting trees helps people foster a connection with the effort to rebuild. It can make them feel like they are personally contributing to recovery, fostering a sense of community pride.
Replanting can root once-devastated communities in hope and resilience.
Developing a robust tree canopy is also about protecting the community from the next disaster. Trees can help slow the strong winds of a hurricane and reduce the impact of flooding. When planted in the right place, it can redirect water away from homes and critical infrastructure. In some ways, trees can be a shield against the dangerous blows Mother Nature deals out.
Though hurricanes try to level everything in their path—including our spirits—trees show us that we still have the strength to stand tall.
