A lack of knowledge or denial about the benefits of trees in flood prevention by members of the TVBN committee is concerning particularly as extreme weather events increase. This weekends intense atmospheric river that we just experienced highlights the need to take flooding more seriously.  Trees play a significant role in managing stormwater by intercepting rainfall, slowing down runoff, and allowing water to infiltrate the soil. People who overlook these benefits may underestimate the damage that can occur when tree cover is reduced, especially in areas where impervious surfaces lead to rapid runoff. Tree height plays a major role in determining how much water trees absorb. Vancouver and Portland give out tax rebates  for storm water management for trees over 16 and 20 feet only. Clearly 24 feet helps but taller trees would be better Without adequate tree cover, rainfall flows quickly into drainage systems, overwhelming them and increasing the risk of flash floods. But here’s an article on tree rebate programs

Tree Height Matters: Why Portland and Vancouver Plant  Larger Trees for Stormwater Management

In Washington State, many cities are recognizing the value of trees in flood mitigation and are implementing ordinances to protect and expand urban canopies. These ordinances often include requirements for planting and maintaining trees, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding. For example, cities like Seattle and Tacoma have developed tree-protection policies as part of their broader stormwater management strategies. These policies ensure that as urban areas develop, green infrastructure, including mature trees, is preserved to help absorb rainfall and prevent runoff. This website includes ordinances to protect trees and pass ordinances to grow tree canopy.

By prioritizing tree preservation, Washington cities are taking proactive steps to combat flooding while improving air quality and reducing urban heat. As more research highlights the role of trees in sustainable urban planning, cities are likely to continue enhancing these ordinances, reinforcing the need for community awareness and support for tree-based flood control measures. These efforts underscore the growing recognition of trees not just as aesthetic features but as essential components of resilient, climate-ready infrastructure. Our HOA sites a covenant from fifty years ago instead of taking proactive measures to protect the community.

https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/environment/resources/urban-forestry#protection on

There are extensive studies highlighting the benefits of trees, yet our HOA and the TVBN committee often disregard this evidence with outdated or misguided arguments. They claim, for instance, that shoreline trees are not native, ignoring their widespread presence along the West Coast. Additionally, they adhere rigidly to covenants created decades ago, before climate change and the surge in atmospheric rivers existed or the hundreds of studies showing the benefits of trees  Their decision to continue enforcing a covenant with no changes degrades the tree canopy protection shows a lack of scientific insight, continuing a flawed policy simply because it was established 60 years ago. The world and hundreds of cities have moved beyond the science of the 1960s by passing many environmental laws and tree canopy growth policies. Our HOA has done nothing.

I’ve written  about trees based on research mainly from the following Web site. It has references to many research links on the benefits of trees.

https://vibrantcitieslab.com/#treesimprove

Finally here is some  research in stormwater management and the benefits of trees and their role in preventing flooding. These cities are using the latest tools in science to improve stormwater management and prevent flooding by protecting and growing trees.

1. USGS Report on Tree Canopy and Stormwater
This study by the U.S. Geological Survey examines how removing urban tree canopy increases stormwater runoff. Using a paired-catchment design in Wisconsin, researchers found that tree removal led to a significant rise in runoff volumes, showing the importance of urban trees in stormwater management through processes like interception and evapotranspiration. Read more

https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/fs20223074/full

2. Penn State Extension on Trees and Watersheds
This article discusses the critical role of trees and forests in maintaining watershed health. Trees help reduce flood risks by intercepting rainfall, stabilizing soils, and improving water quality. Forests act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and cooling waterways, which is vital for sustaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Read more

https://extension.psu.edu/the-role-of-trees-and-forests-in-healthy-watersheds

3. EPA’s Soak Up the Rain Program
The EPA explains how trees mitigate urban runoff by intercepting and absorbing rainwater, which helps prevent flooding and reduces pollutants in waterways. Urban tree planting is promoted as a green infrastructure solution to manage stormwater and protect local water quality. Read more

https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-trees-help-reduce-runoff