MetLife Legacy TreesTM
Dec 15, 2023
The Legacy Trees Program is our pledge to plant a tree in honor of each loved one for whom MetLife has paid a Group Life Insurance benefit1. While serving as a living memorial for our insureds, the program will also fight deforestation, provide clean air, shade cover and habitat for animals, while reducing erosion and flooding in communities.
"We are honored to partner with MetLife to help cultivate hope and healing through their Legacy Trees program. As a living tribute to the MetLife community, this program is helping to create more resilient forests and restore vital ecosystems that need it most. Through this collaboration, each tree becomes a legacy that helps build a healthier, more sustainable future for the planet."
– Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation
A Timeline of Progress
Hurricane Michael left thousands of acres of destroyed forest cover in its wake. In addition to providing drinking water for nearly 175,000 residents, these areas are also home to wildlife, including the gopher tortoise, bobwhite quail, Sherman’s fox squirrel, deer, turkey, and more2.
Our Tree Planting Partners
photograph by Matthew Coughlin
MetLife partners with the Arbor Day Foundation and their network of local tree planting partners to implement our tree planting program.
As the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation has been inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees since 1972. And that simple mission has had a global impact. For over 50 years, the Foundation has worked to plant over 500 million trees in forests and communities around the world. And through their strong network of members, partners, and supporters, the Foundation is working to plant another 500 million trees over the next 5 years.
More information is available at arborday.org.
Environmental Statistics Per Tree*
Carbon
Air
Water
Avoided and sequestered CO2 per tree (In pounds):
1%
* Projected 40-year estimates based on a small representative species in this area, configured by Arbor Day Foundation using i-Tree Tools.
Tributes
My beautiful Iris Rivera Delgadillo
Read MoreMy beautiful Iris Rivera Delgadillo was a Mother, Grandmother, and sister and my Best Friend you left too soon
Roseiris Delgadillo
Rachel Smith was a beautiful mother
Read MoreRachel Smith was a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, nana, friend, and colleague. She loved to laugh and enjoy the good times.
Janel Bordley
Thank you, MetLife for planting a tree in Florida as a enduring memorial of our father, Bruce Sims.
Read MoreThank you, MetLife for planting a tree in Florida as a enduring memorial of our father, Bruce Sims. He loved nature... planting a garden, pruning his rose bushes and white trellis of grapevines.
Hazel Polka
“Happy Blessed Heavenly Birthday, Johnny J. Tucker (Jt) - September 12, 1955 - March 15, 2025.
Read More“Happy Blessed Heavenly Birthday, Johnny J. Tucker (Jt) - September 12, 1955 - March 15, 2025. On September 13, 2025, we celebrate your life and the joy you brought to us. Your spirit continues to inspire and guide us through life. Your memory is a treasure we hold close to our hearts forever. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Jt.”
Dorothy Tucker
Cara Bouvier was the kindest, selfless, most loving person I had the pleasure of knowing and I was proud to call her my wife.
Read MoreCara Bouvier was the kindest, selfless, most loving person I had the pleasure of knowing and I was proud to call her my wife. 20 years together just wasn't enough time.
Barry Bouvier
Rev. B.W. Bennett was a loving brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather.
Read MoreRev. B.W. Bennett was a loving brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather. But most of all he was my husband, soulmate and best friend who I miss dearly. He was a gifted musician and singer performing with many gospel greats. Throughout his 60 years of ministry, Rev. Bennett was known for his dynamic presence, profound knowledge of scripture, and ability to connect deeply with others.
Danielle Bennett
I am so happy that a tree will be planted in memory of my dad, Lee Pettus Brandon.
Read MoreI am so happy that a tree will be planted in memory of my dad, Lee Pettus Brandon. Dad was a man who loved God and his country, but his family meant the world to him. He was there for me throughout my life, cheering me on and setting an example with his generosity and deep love for his family.
Terri Brandon Carlisle
Denise went to be with our Lord in Feb.
Read MoreDenise went to be with our Lord in Feb. this year after a long battle with cancer.
Kenneth Porter
My wife was a true trailblazer in education, and I don't say that lightly. She is being honored in Fall 2025 as the California Administrator of the year for the entire state.
Read MoreMy wife was a true trailblazer in education, and I don't say that lightly. She is being honored in Fall 2025 as the California Administrator of the year for the entire state. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, niece and was so loved by many friends and colleagues in education and beyond.
Dan Dinkins
Vincent Teel, Thank you for always being you.
Read MoreVincent Teel, Thank you for always being you. You showed enormous strength during your hardest time.
Tavona Teel
Frequently Asked Questions
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The trees are planted at the best suitable planting time for the region, within a given calendar year.
The Arbor Day Foundation thoroughly vets planting partners and project teams to ensure that trees are responsibly planted and maintained throughout the entire project process. While Mother Nature can be difficult to predict, you can rest easy knowing that the Arbor Day Foundation and its partners strive to create healthy, thriving forests.
We are planting one tree for each deceased insured individual of MetLife Group Benefits life insurance. There is no limit on how many trees we will plant.
Our planting partners select and plant trees native to the specific area. Trees planted through this initiative are 6 – 10 inch seedlings.
All plantings are completed by contracted professional tree planters and are overseen and assessed by foresters on the grounds.
You are welcome to visit the forest area, if desired. While there is a tree planted for every insureds, there are not plaques or markers on the trees to commemorate that they are MetLife trees.
No, there is no option to opt out or make special requests related to the trees. A tree will be planted for every insured individual for whom MetLife has paid a Group Life Insurance benefit. There is no cost to the beneficiary or policyholder.
No, the MetLife Legacy TreesTM program only applies to Group Life Insurance insureds.
Learn more about MetLife sustainability efforts
MetLife Sustainability