Houses on Sandy Slopes: How Trees Help Stabilize Slopes on coastal homes

Building homes on slopes offerscomes with challenges—especially when those slopes are composed of sand. In coastal communities in Washington, where sandy hills and dunes are common, erosion and slope instability are significant concerns for homeowners. Trees, however, provide a natural solution to stabilizing sandy slopes, offering both practical and ecological benefits. Challenges of Building on Sandy Slopes Sandy slopes are inherently less stable than other soil types due to their granular structure. Unlike clay or loam, sand particles have minimal cohesion, making them prone to erosion and sliding, especially when exposed to water or added weight from structures. Houses built … Continue reading Houses on Sandy Slopes: How Trees Help Stabilize Slopes on coastal homes

How Tree Canopy Initiatives and Government Policies Have Evolved Since the 1960s to protect our environment.

Since the 1960s, government policies on environmental protection have transformed, with tree canopy initiatives at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change, improve urban livability, and enhance public health. Beyond their aesthetic and ecological value, tree canopies have become … Continue reading How Tree Canopy Initiatives and Government Policies Have Evolved Since the 1960s to protect our environment.

Surfside Members Approve Motion to Increase Tree Heights: Will the Board Honor Their Vote?

Three motions passed regarding trees and the environment. Surfside HOA members recently voted to approve a motion to increase tree height limits in areas with 16 and 20 feet to 24 feet. The motion, carefully vetted for legal compliance, addressies … Continue reading Surfside Members Approve Motion to Increase Tree Heights: Will the Board Honor Their Vote?

New Illinois Law Protects Native Landscapes, Prioritizing Environment Over HOA Regulations

A significant legislative victory for Illinois homeowners and environmental advocates came with the introduction of House Bill 4839—known as the Protecting Illinois Native Landscapes Act.  This new law prioritizes the environment over restrictive homeowners association (HOA) regulations by protecting the … Continue reading New Illinois Law Protects Native Landscapes, Prioritizing Environment Over HOA Regulations

Mitigating Urban Heat Islands and Flood Risks in Portland through Tree Canopy Cover

As cities grow and develop, urban heat islands (UHI) and flood risks have become significant concerns, with densely populated areas experiencing higher temperatures and increased flooding compared to their rural counterparts. With Portland and surrounding areas experiencing record temperatures of … Continue reading Mitigating Urban Heat Islands and Flood Risks in Portland through Tree Canopy Cover