For countless Northwest Arkansas residents, Sunday, May 26, 2024, will be among those dates they will always remember as knowing exactly where they were and precisely what they were doing. It was in the early morning hours that day, that massive winds whipping upwards of 165 mph from an EF3 tornado forever changed lives and the landscape throughout an entire four-county area.
With the rising of the sun, words like heartbreaking, devastating, shocking, and soul crushing emerged as neighborhood after neighborhood of damaged homes and businesses demolished by the block-full became all too visible.
To no one’s surprise, in the days and weeks that have since followed, the NW Arkansas community have banded together showing phenomenal resilience as neighbors have helped each other clear debris, offer shelter, and provide emotional support. As tornadoes tend to do, this one very much served to remind us life is indeed fragile.
The storm also created extensive property damage for our Food Loops team. Though direct harm to their homes was fortunately minimal, two members of our team were not only without power for over 10 days, they’ve been faced with the task of coping with the tremendous loss of multiple, decades-old trees that were either completely uprooted or suffered severe damage to the point they were rendered unsalvageable.
Fast approaching the two-month mark since the tornado barreled through, in addition to fence, roof, and home repairs being funneled through an untold number of insurance claims, the entire NW Arkansas area continues to deal with the extensive process of tree removal as well as the resulting and drastic change in the landscape as a result.
This becomes even more evident when you consider the countless trees that have been part and parcel of so many lives for 40, 50, or 60 plus years. More than just a backdrop to the surrounding scenery, trees hold memories of providing canopies of shade for family yards, public parks, and school playgrounds. Childhood tree houses, raking sessions in the fall, as well as the first signs of new growth every spring are also fondly associated with these years-old, multi-limbed monuments.
Much has also been learned in the aftermath of the storm in terms of the massive tree loss. First and foremost, the importance of planting native species has become increasingly apparent. Native trees are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient to extreme weather events.
For NW Arkansas, varieties such as the White Oak, Eastern Redbud, and Shortleaf Pine are all ideal. These trees not only contribute to the ecological balance but also provide habitat for local wildlife, enhancing the area's biodiversity.
Though no tree can withstand the test of all time, by focusing on native species, communities can ensure their efforts to rebuild through replanting will go a long way toward restoring a healthy, resilient, and sustainable landscape for future generations.
For more information re: tree selection and planting information, check out any of the many local nurseries or
https://www.bentonvillear.com/DocumentCenter/View/7699/FSA-6128_Planting-a-Tree-or-Shrub?bidId=
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/planting-trees-10-24-14.aspx
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