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Our landscapes are constantly evolving. One of the most striking transformations we’re witnessing is the expansion of wetlands. As these watery habitats grow, trees are often affected—and sometimes displaced. But what does this mean for the ecosystem, and is it a cause for concern? In the not too distant past, wetlands were regarded as wastelands. It was common practice to drain or fill them, thinking that the land was being made more productive. By 1990 more than half of the

Koll Center Wetlands, Photo by Cheryl Ames It’s no accident that Oregon is named “The Beaver State.” Beaver-created wetlands historically laced this entire region. Although nearly half of all wetlands in the mainland US have been destroyed by development, here in Washington County we are lucky to be able to enjoy some remaining wetlands close to home. If you don’t know them already, you have a treat in store. Several wetland preserves offer trails, boardwalks, wildlife viewin

Certain trees have a special love affair with wetlands. Their adaptations make them especially suited for life living with “wet feet.” Unlike trees growing in dry upland forests, many of these trees can tolerate soils with low levels of oxygen, can manage to survive seasonal flooding, and have broad, shallow root systems that anchor them in soft ground. They are likely to have evolved to thrive despite ambitious beavers gnawing them down. All of these qualities in turn help w

A wetland is an ecosystem where land is covered or saturated by water, either permanently or seasonally, including our streams, lakes, marshes and more. They teem with life, even more than you probably imagine, supporting 40% of all plant and animal species on Earth and acting as breeding grounds, nurseries, and stopover points for migratory birds. What do trees have to do with wetlands? Trees are a vital part of healthy wetlands, quietly providing benefits that extend far b

One of the most common complaints from property owners about mature street trees is damage from surface roots. Across Washington County—including communities such as Hillsboro, Beaverton, Sherwood, Tualatin, and Cornelius—local planners, urban foresters, and transportation departments are working to solve this common conflict while preserving the trees that make the region livable. Removing trees to prevent damage has its own costs—and preserving those trees can be a big sav

Understanding how tree roots really work can help us make better decisions about where to plant trees and what to do when they become mature and begin causing problems.

Cracked sidewalks and street trees often get framed as a simple nuisance, but the real issue goes deeper—all the way to the roots. This article explores how tree roots damage pavement, the hidden costs cities face when they respond only after damage appears, and why removing mature trees can be an even more expensive mistake. If sidewalks and urban forests are both essential infrastructure, how do cities help them coexist?

By Susan Mates Photo: Bart Everson Urban foresters and engineers are increasingly using creative designs and materials that allow trees to thrive while sidewalks remain intact. Often, prevention is cheaper than repair, so better planning and design can prevent these conflicts in the first place. That can mean: ● Provide larger planting areas or connected soil spaces to allow roots to spread underground instead of pushing upward. ● Create deep, well-structured soils to encoura