Arborists raise money to replace tree canopy lost during November tornado

CHOCTAW, Okla. (KFOR) — A group of arborists are raising money to replant trees lost in Harrah and Choctaw during the November tornado, hoping to restore the significant canopy loss.

"You could see your house next door and that was it," said Wade Brewer, who lives in a neighborhood near SE 44th and Triple X road.

Before an EF-3 tornado hit Brewer's neighborhood, it was considered an "Urban Forest."

Now, tree branches line the streets and many of the trees are blown over after growing for generations.

"A lot of the trees that are still standing are just totem poles now," said Brewer.

A huge cottonwood was ripped from its roots near his front yard. During the storm, it landed just 10 feet from his front door.

Now, it's chopped up along with five of his trees.

"This was probably the first year I was really prepared, firewood wise, for the winter before the storm," said Brewer. "I haven't even started cutting up wood that came down in the storm yet."

Connor Mercer and Cori Watson's roots run deep in Choctaw and Harrah. They're both local arborists.

They said just because some of the trees are still standing doesn't mean they will last. Their damaged canopies can't keep the tree alive.

"Say you're used to eating 3,000 calories and suddenly you're cut down to about 500. You're going to start starving. That's exactly what's happening with our trees," said Watson.

The two teamed up, along with R&B Trees Trees Trees, to replant the urban forest. They reached out to the non-profit Share & Care Releaf.

"The goal is to replant every tree that was lost," said Debra Bowers, a board member for the non-profit.

Bowers said trees provide numerous benefits to your property, environment, and overall wellbeing.

To replant, they're more focused on pricier plantings, since most seedlings would likely die.

"It'd be around $300 a tree," said Mercer.

Now, they're calling for donations, grants, and volunteers to help bring $40,000 worth of trees to Choctaw and Harrah.

If you would like to donate, click here.

Brewer said he'd be interested, on one condition.

"As long as they're not cottonwoods. I don't want any cottonwoods," said Brewer.