Morton Arboretum To Replace 300 Trees Lost In June Tornado

LISLE, IL — Morton Arboretum is working to replace hundreds of trees that were broken, uprooted and toppled by the area's devastating June 20 tornado. The arboretum announced Monday that it would provide a free tree to up to 300 local residents who lost their trees in the tornado.

The move is part of Morton Arboretum's Centennial Tree Planting Initiative, which aims to plant 1,000 trees throughout Chicagoland in honor of the arboretum's upcoming 100th anniversary in 2022.

Tornado-stricken residents in Naperville, Woodridge, Darien, and unincorporated Downers Grove Township can click the link to fill out a form to request a free tree from Morton Arboretum. Those who are selected to receive a free tree will be notified in October 2021 and trees are expected to be ready for pickup and delivery by spring of 2022. There's a limit of one tree per address. Availability is on a first come, first served basis.

Residents can also click the link to donate a tree to tornado victims.

Related: Disaster Declaration Sought To Aid IL Tornado Victims: Pritzker

"Hundreds, if not thousands" of trees were destroyed in the devastating EF-3 tornado, Chicago Tribune reported on June 24, adding that experts said the impact of the wreckage may be evident "for years to come."

Morton Arboretum's Centennial Tree Planting Initiative is made possible by a partnership with the Chicago Region Trees initiative and ArbNet. The project's goal is to foster longevity and sustainability, a news release said.

Murphy Westwood, vice president of science and conservation at the arboretum, said in a statement, "It’s important to select the right trees for each location and ensure the right care, so they have the best chance of growing into a mature canopy that will provide benefits to individuals and communities for many years to come."