Report: 2024 hurricanes shrank Tampa Bay's tree canopy
By Kathryn Varn
Published on April 27, 2026.
Tampa Bay's tree canopy coverage fell to 30% in 2021, its lowest since 1984, according to a report by the University of South Florida. This was due to the 2024 hurricanes which toppled trees and other live oaks. The city's canopy fell to 29.9% in 2025, a loss of about 1,200 acres. The University of North Florida also suggested that expanded giveaways and a new voucher program may have contributed to this decline. However, researchers did not assess the role of development. They recommended that the city invest more in planting trees along streets and in parks, and prioritizing space for trees in new development.
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