Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
In June 2023, tornadoes swept through the Point Place and Shoreland neighborhoods of Toledo, causing widespread structural damage and the loss of hundreds of mature trees.
To support the community's recovery, Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, in partnership with Keep America Beautiful's RETREET® program, is launching Tree the Point, a free tree replacement initiative for residents whose properties were affected by the storms.
Tree the Point will provide and help plant native trees, free of charge, on eligible private properties throughout the impacted area. Tree species include Red Maple, Swamp White Oak, Linden, Elm, and Serviceberry. Volunteer planting events will occur in September and October of 2025.
Residents will be responsible for the care of their tree, but care instructions, water bags, and tree tubes will be provided to set each tree up for long-term success.
"We're proud to help restore the natural beauty and resilience of Point Place and Shoreland," Adam Cassi, Executive Director of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, said. "Trees do more than beautify our neighborhoods; they clean our air and water, reduce flooding, cool our neighborhoods, and improve both our physical and mental health."
Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful will host three information sessions at the Point Place Branch Library later this summer. If you have questions or would like assistance in requesting a tree, please plan on joining us at one of the below dates:
Monday, Aug. 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12, noon to 1 p.m.
This program is made possible through generous funding from Keep America Beautiful and RETREET.
Volunteers will be essential to making this tree planting effort a success. If you'd like to help restore and green the Point Place and Shoreland neighborhoods, sign up at form.jotform.com/ktlcb/volunteer. Volunteer planting days will take place in the fall of 2025.
To request a tree or learn more about the program, visit our website at ktlcb.org/point-place-tree-planting.
WHAT TREES PROVIDE
Cleaner air: A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year while filtering harmful pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide from the air.
Cooler neighborhoods: Tree canopy can lower surrounding temperatures by as much as 10°F, reducing the urban heat island effect and making neighborhoods more comfortable in the summer.
Cleaner water & reduced flooding: Trees naturally manage storm water by absorbing 15–27 percent of annual rainfall and filtering out pollutants before they reach our waterways, improving local water quality and protecting Lake Erie.
Lower energy bills: Shade from trees can reduce household energy use by cutting cooling costs in the summer and acting as a windbreak in the winter.
Higher property values: Homes in tree-lined neighborhoods can see property values increase by seven to 20 percent.
Better health outcomes: Studies show that communities with more trees experience lower stress levels, improved mental well-being, reduced risk of heart disease, and faster recovery from illness.
Safer streets: Research indicates that drivers reduce their speed in tree-lined areas, helping to create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists.
Reduced crime: Neighborhoods with more trees consistently show lower rates of crime, including violent crime, underscoring the role of trees in fostering safer, more connected communities.
