Storms have always taken a heavy toll on trees, and on infrastructure adjacent to failing trees, especially overhead utilities. Over the past several decades, much work has been done to quantify both the benefits provided by trees, and the costs associated with their failures.  Additionally, standards, best practices and credentialing programs have been developed to improve arboricultural practices in assessing tree risk, pruning, management during development, lightning protection and other aspects of tree care.  Considering the stakes, it is critical to systematically apply this body of knowledge into a comprehensive effort to reduce the threat from storms and to preserve the value of urban forests. By adding the principles of modern disaster management into urban forestry management, the impact of storms can be reduced and response and restoration efforts improved.