“Tree Places” is pattern 171 in A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa and Murray Silverstein. “Trees are precious. Keep them. Leave them intact.”
From the book A Pattern Language: “The trees that people love create special social places: places to be in, and pass through, places you can dream about, and places you can draw. Trees have the potential to create various kinds of social places:
- an umbrella—where a single, low-sprawling tree like a live oak defines an outdoor room
- a pair—where two trees form a gateway
- a grove—where several trees cluster together
- a square—where they enclose an open space
- an avenue—where a double row of trees, their crowns touching, line a path or street
It’s only when a tree’s potential to form places is realized that the real presence and meaning of the tree is felt. St Simons Island in Georgia certainly possesses the sense of tranquility of tree places, which provide beauty, shade and shelter. The constant care for these majestic live oaks and other trees ensures future generations can enjoy and experience their living presence.

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