UGA Launches Free Tree-Planting Tool After Helene

Thousands of homeowners who lost trees to Hurricane Helene will soon have a science-backed guide to help them replant smarter.

The University of Georgia is launching the Grow Back Project, a free interactive website that tells residents exactly which trees will thrive in their specific neighborhood. Users simply enter their ZIP code and receive expert recommendations tailored to their area.

Sam Perren, who oversees the project through UGA's Archway Partnership, says the storm devastated the region's tree canopy last year. Local partners including Georgia Power and the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area reached out to the university for help.

"We wanted to give people information on how to plant the right tree in the right place to bring that canopy back," Perren explained. The project represents what land-grant universities do best: serving communities with real-world solutions.

UGA students from the New Media Institute created the entire platform as their final semester project. One team of five students built a database of suitable trees selected by forestry experts, while another team developed a virtual reality tool that lets homeowners visualize how different trees would look on their property.

Instructor Claire Stanley watched her students exceed their own expectations. "I think they surprised themselves with how advanced the project was in the end," she said, noting that working on something with real community impact pushed them to go further with the technology.

The website will include planting and care guidance, plus connections to local reforestation events. It's scheduled to launch in fall 2026, giving Augusta-area residents a powerful tool to rebuild their urban forest.

The Ripple Effect

This project does more than replace lost trees. Urban tree canopies reduce energy costs by providing shade, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, and increase property values. When homeowners plant the right trees in the right places, they're investing in cooler summers, cleaner air, and stronger communities for decades to come.

The collaboration also demonstrates how universities, utilities, and foundations can quickly mobilize to address disaster recovery in practical ways.

One free website will help thousands of families make informed decisions that benefit their homes and neighborhoods for generations.