St. Louis Launches Plan To Replace 5,000 Trees Lost In Tornado

ST. LOUIS — Today, Mayor Cara Spencer, alongside the Recovery Office, the City of St. Louis Forestry Division, and the Green City Coalition announced Regreening North STL, a City initiative to restore the tree canopy in the North St. Louis neighborhoods hit by the May 16, 2025 tornado. The first initiative replants the more than 5,000 street and park trees lost in the storm.

The goal is to replace every tree lost by May 2027. The City and its partners will replant more than 5,000 trees: 2,300 street trees in public easements and 2,700 trees in public parks. More than 1,900 park trees have already been replanted with the help of many volunteers, and street tree planting begins in November. The Forestry Division has committed to two years of watering and maintenance for every tree during its establishment period.

“The tornado took thousands of trees from North St. Louis neighborhoods, and with them the shade families counted on,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “We are bringing back the shade. Replanting our streets and parks is about more than restoring what was lost. It is about building neighborhoods that are healthier, cooler and better positioned for the future.”

North St. Louis has long had less tree canopy and higher summer heat than other parts of the city, and the tornado deepened that gap. Street and park trees shade sidewalks and homes, cool blocks, manage stormwater and add lasting value to neighborhoods.

“Every block and every park in the tornado zone deserves its trees back,” said Julian Nicks, Chief Recovery Officer. “We are replanting with residents, not around them, and we are making sure every family has a say in what goes in front of their home.”

Where Planting Starts

Through Recovery Office programs, the City of St. Louis has removed all hazardous street trees in the tornado zone. New street trees are native species, chosen for their size and fit within each easement so they will not disrupt sidewalks or cause other issues as they grow. The initial focus for street tree planting is more densely populated blocks with limited demolition and construction work ahead, which protects the health and survival of new trees. Blocks with more demolition or construction still to come will be the focus of future plantings.

“Planting a tree is the first step. Caring for it until it takes root is what makes it last,” said Forestry Commissioner Alan Jankowski. “Our crews are committed to looking after these trees for their first two years, during their establishment period when regular watering and maintenance are essential.”

The City recognizes that lost trees carry hard memories for many families after the May 16 tornado. Before street planting begins, the Recovery Office is visiting neighborhood associations to discuss the plan, while the Neighborhood Stabilization Division and Forestry Division are placing door hangers and yard signs on planting blocks for awareness. Planting locations and tree types by area are posted at stlrecovers.com. Residents who do not want a street tree in front of their home have the chance to opt out at stlrecovers.com. Residents who want a street tree but are not on a scheduled planting block can request one by contacting the Citizens’ Service Bureau..

About Regreening North STL

Regreening North STL is a City of St. Louis initiative led in partnership by the Recovery Office, the City of St. Louis Forestry Division, and the Green City Coalition. The Green City Coalition is a collaborative project of the City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District that works to convert vacant lots and overlooked park space into community greenspaces. Replanting the trees lost in the tornado is Regreening North STL’s first initiative, and the City will share more about what comes next in the months ahead.

St. Louis Launches Plan To Replace 5,000 Trees Lost In Tornado

Comments