We Need Community and So Do Trees

We often talk about the importance of community in our own lives—family, neighbors, coworkers, and the people who help support us through hard seasons. What many people don’t realize is that trees rely on community in much the same way.

Strong winds have a way of reminding us just how connected everything really is. When storms roll through, we tend to notice which trees sway, which stand firm, and which fail. But the reason behind that isn’t always obvious from above ground.

A tree’s strength isn’t just about its height or age, it’s about its root system and the environment around it. Trees that grow in groups often develop intertwined root systems that help anchor one another. They break the wind together, share space, and create stability as a collective. When trees stand alone, they take full force of wind, weather, and stress on their own.

Of course, we all want to create a beautiful outdoor oasis—a landscape that feels intentional, balanced, and inviting. Design absolutely matters. But true beauty in a landscape goes beyond how it looks on day one. It also means considering how trees will grow, interact, and support one another over time. When aesthetics and biology work together, the result is a landscape that not only looks good but lasts.

This is especially important with evergreens. When lower branches are removed improperly or trees are pruned to be top-heavy, their natural balance is disrupted. Instead of distributing force evenly, the canopy begins to act like a sail, catching wind and transferring stress directly to the trunk and roots. Over time or during a single extreme weather event this can lead to breakage or uprooting. You can see clear examples of what happens to trees in these conditions in the photos below, posted by The Ohio State University.

Soil conditions matter too. Saturated soils reduce a tree’s ability to stay anchored, especially when paired with high winds. Add in nearby structures, fences, or buildings that create wind tunnels and even long-established trees can suddenly be at risk.

That’s why thoughtful planting, proper pruning, and long-term planning matter so much. Trees aren’t meant to be isolated design elements forced into tight spaces. They thrive when given room to grow, support systems around them, and maintenance rooted in biology not appearance.

When trees show signs of stress, movement at the base, cracking soil, or sudden changes in structure, it’s important to listen. In those cases, working with a certified arborist can help assess risk and determine the best path forward, protecting both the tree, the people, and property around it.

Just like us, trees are stronger when they’re supported. When we design landscapes with that understanding, we create outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful, but resilient for years to come.

Interested in working with our design team to create a dynamic and gorgeous landscape for you to enjoy for years to come? Take a look at our Design Process page.