In the especially lush Pacific Northwest, most residents can recall “that one tree” that somehow forged its roots into their memories, marking a cherished place in time and a feeling of nostalgia or stability. For some, it may be a maple whose limbs they bravely climbed as a child or, perhaps, a backyard walnut tree that always needed picking up after.
For me, “that one tree” was a towering weeping willow that grew into my family home’s hillside. When I picture it, I remember the shade its curtain of tendrils graciously provided during hot summer months and how it comfortingly hid my sister and me from the outside world as we sat underneath it to eat our lunch.
Apart from willows, Washington is home to 25 species of native trees, ranging from western hemlock, Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce to the bigleaf maple, western red cedar, and many more.
Certified arborist Jason Hayes is one local expert who knows all the nuances of the trees and the ways they play a part in the Northwest’s environment.
“My passion for the tree care industry comes from a deep fascination with trees — how they grow, adapt, and quite literally defy gravity,” said Redmond resident Hayes, who first discovered his love for trees while studying forestry at Purdue University. “Trees are complex living systems, and I enjoy understanding how they respond to their environment and how proper care can support their long-term health and stability.”
In Hayes’ experience, he finds that trees are foundational to a healthy community: environmentally, economically, and emotionally. He often describes them as “living infrastructure.”
Outside of their more obvious beneficial features, such as cooling neighborhoods, managing stormwater, improving air quality, and reducing energy costs, trees also create a sense of place. Streets lined with mature trees and established canopies can feel stable, welcoming, and cared for.
Throughout his career working with residents and community members, Hayes has been a firsthand witness to the emotional attachments that people form with their communities’ trees.
“It’s something arborists see all the time. … Some trees can outlive homes, businesses, even generations, and are there year after year as life unfolds around them,” he said. “They provide constancy in a changing world. I think people connect to trees because they represent endurance, shelter, and growth, things we instinctively seek comfort in.”
There are some great examples of people acting in the defense of trees, whether it be the characters in “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, or in real life, such as people trying to save trees in parks or their own neighborhoods.
This Arbor Day (April 24), Hayes hopes people celebrate plants thoughtfully, care proactively, and protect what’s already growing.
“Arbor Day isn’t just about planting new trees; it’s about recognizing the value of the trees we already have and committing to their long-term health …,” he said. “When trees thrive, communities tend to thrive alongside them.”
Hayes’ Top 3 Tips for Being a Better Steward of Trees
1. Stewardship starts with awareness. Simple actions, such as mulching correctly, watering during drought, avoiding trunk damage, and resisting the urge to overprune, go a long way.
2. For homeowners, trees should be inspected regularly by a certified arborist to help catch problems early.
3. For communities, advocating for tree preservation, proper planting practices, and long-term tree management plans are key.