Bridging Perceptions and Practices: Insights from Post-Hurricane Tree and Landscape Damage

Abstract Background The 2024 hurricane season devastated the Southeastern United States, with Florida’s Southwestern Gulf Coast counties uniquely impacted. While debris clogged roadways and communities struggled to recover, the full extent of tree and landscape damage was only beginning to emerge. In the wake of disasters, Land Grant University Extension services provide education and technical expertise to residents and policymakers, serving as vital hubs of connection. Extension programs are effective when they address specific community challenges. Methods To guide program development and outreach, a needs assessment survey was conducted to determine tree and landscape damage, management costs, and whether hurricane impacts altered perceptions of trees. Results Respondents reported a significant increase in fear of trees following the hurricane, and this increase was not correlated with landscape and property damage. Of the major roof damage cases (8 total), all were associated with large tree failure, while the remaining moderate or minor cases (76 total) occurred without whole tree failure. Although major roof impacts were uncommon, their association with whole tree failure underscores the severity of such events. Fear or perception of trees as dangerous did not show a clear relationship with observed damage or replanting intentions, indicating a perceptual gap. Conclusions Despite elevated fear of trees, approximately one-third of respondents were still willing to replant. This contrast between concern and behavior reflects the broader perceptual gap identified. Addressing this gap requires community education that emphasizes evidence-based tree planting and management practices. These implications are directly actionable for Extension programming.