Urban Forest Strike Team to Assess Ice Storm Tree Damage in Nashville

NASHVILLE - A multistate team of forestry specialists will mobilize to evaluate tree damage and guide recovery efforts following Winter Storm Fern, which caused widespread damage to the region's urban canopy in January.

The Urban Forest Strike Team will deploy in Davidson County March 2-8.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF), in partnership with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, is collaborating with urban and community forestry professionals from across the Southeast to support recovery efforts in Middle Tennessee.

Investing in community trees is essential and even more critical after damage to local tree canopies. This joint effort marks an important step in assessing damage and establishing a path forward to keep communities green and safe.

TDF requested the strike team through the Southern Group of State Foresters. Forestry specialists from Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia will conduct tree assessments along public rights-of-way to identify hazards created by ice damage.

"Southern states have consistently demonstrated strong collaboration during disaster response," State Forester Heather Slayton said. "This effort will directly support public safety, canopy retention and resilient recovery in Nashville's metropolitan area. We encourage residents to replant in the months and years ahead."

Assessments will also support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance documentation and recovery efforts by identifying high-risk trees and prioritizing removal and preservation across the county.

Urban and community forests are critical infrastructure, providing stormwater management, improved air quality, energy savings, reduced urban heat, and physical and mental health benefits.

Severe weather is a natural part of forest cycles, and the damage creates an opportunity to replant stronger, native species with greater diversity - steps that reduce vulnerability to future storms and pests.

TDF protects Tennessee's forests by fighting wildland fires, coordinating hazard emergency response, providing prescribed fire guidance, services, and wildland fire training. Additionally, the division promotes the responsible use of forest resources by assisting landowners, providing quality seedlings, monitoring insects and diseases, improving urban forests, managing state forests, protecting water quality and collecting forest inventory data. TDF also promotes forest industries to stimulate the state's economy. Visit the Tennessee Division of Forestry webpage for more information.