Nassau County’s Coastal Defense Heroes: How Professional Tree Services Are Fighting Rising Seas with Living Barriers
Nassau County faces an unprecedented coastal crisis. Sea level rise, along with the impacts of coastal storms, causes beaches to erode, while the study area experiences frequent flooding from high tides, spring tides, sunny day flooding, and coastal storms. As traditional hard structures like seawalls prove costly and environmentally damaging, forward-thinking property owners are turning to nature’s own solution: strategically planted trees and vegetation that create powerful natural barriers against rising waters.
The Growing Threat to Nassau County’s Coastline
Long Island’s geography makes it particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. The Long Island region includes Nassau and Suffolk counties. The region is densely populated and is home to more than 8 million people, with Long Island is largely flat, with its highest point rising to only around 400 feet above sea level. This low-lying terrain, combined with During Hurricane Sandy, the study area communities were severely affected with large areas subjected to erosion, storm surge, and wave damage along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and flooding of communities within and surrounding bays. Along the Atlantic Ocean, surge and waves inundated low lying areas, and contributed to the flooding along the shoreline of the interior of the bays.
The challenges are multifaceted. Coastal flooding from storm surge made worse by sea level rise can cause power outages; contaminate drinking water; and prevent people from accessing health care, transportation, and other needs. Additionally, Beaches that are damaged and narrowed by sea level rise and storm-induced erosion may become less appealing to beachgoers, which in turn could have negative impacts on Long Island’s tourism economy.
Trees as Natural Coastal Defenders
Professional arborists and coastal engineers increasingly recognize that trees serve as powerful natural barriers against coastal erosion. Trees play a vital role in coastal erosion prevention, acting as natural barriers that safeguard shorelines from the relentless forces of nature. The science behind their effectiveness is compelling.
Trees are nature’s frontline defense against erosion. Their root systems: Stabilize soil and reduce the impact of waves and wind. Trap sediments that might otherwise be washed away. Beyond immediate erosion control, Create a buffer zone that absorbs energy from storms and tides.
The root systems are particularly crucial. The effectiveness of shoreline protection largely depends on the robust root systems of coastal trees. These roots permeate the ground, creating a natural mesh that holds the soil together. This not only prevents erosion but also enhances the land’s resilience against storm surges and high tides.
Strategic Tree Placement for Maximum Protection
Not all trees are suitable for coastal protection, and proper placement requires professional expertise. Coastal trees are unique in their ability to thrive in harsh marine environments, primarily due to their salt tolerance and specialized root systems. Salt-tolerant plants with extensive root systems can help address both kinds of coastal erosion problems.
Professional tree services understand the critical timing and methodology required for successful coastal plantings. Plant roots hold sediment in place, helping to stabilize the areas where they are planted. The plant roots also bind and secure soils and help improve the stability of the area. However, Plant trees far enough back from the top of coastal banks to ensure that their weight does not contribute to bank instability.
Nassau County’s Professional Tree Services Leading the Charge
Local tree service companies play a vital role in implementing these natural coastal defenses. Competition Tree, a leading tree service nassau county provider, exemplifies the expertise needed for coastal protection projects. With over 22 years of experience in the tree removal industry, our professional staff consistently delivers quality service throughout the Long Island area.
What sets professional services apart is their understanding of local conditions. Competition Tree has been handling tree work in Hicksville and Nassau County for years. We understand how coastal weather affects your trees and what species thrive or struggle in our area. This local expertise is crucial when selecting appropriate species for coastal environments.
Proven Success in Coastal Protection
Nassau County has already seen successful implementation of tree-based coastal protection. The NCSWCD helped fund part of the replacement of dune grass that was lost during recent heavy storms and hosted a Dune Day event. With the District funding, the Town would purchase approximately 464 bundles of dune grass. The second Dune Day will be held in October, as dune grass is most effectively planted in the spring or fall seasons.
The results speak for themselves. On March 30th, 2024, the Town of Oyster Bay hosted its annual dune grass planting event at TOBAY Beach, drawing over 150 volunteers who planted four pallets of native dune grass stalks across 2.7 acres of Atlantic Ocean dunes. The Town has planted 1,000 bundles (containing 100 grass plugs each), equating to 100,000 individual plugs of American Beach Grass. This will help stabilize the shoreline sand against heavy winds and assist with the absorption of water. The Long-term benefits of replanting dune grass extend beyond immediate erosion control, providing sustainable advantages for the coastal environment and community.
The Future of Coastal Defense
As sea levels continue rising, the integration of natural and engineered solutions becomes increasingly important. A green infrastructure approach to coastal improvement—a “living shoreline”—can help protect coastal areas. Living shorelines can be created using plants, reefs, sand, and natural barriers to reduce erosion and flooding while maintaining the natural shoreline and its processes.
Professional tree services are essential partners in this effort. Competition Tree Service has been providing Long Island homeowners and business owners with high-quality tree care for more than two decades. Our fully-licensed and insured company is staffed by highly-trained experts that are passionate about providing the highest level of service and maintaining the beauty and integrity of our clients’ homes, yards and properties.
The benefits extend beyond erosion control. The Town Board of the Town of Oyster Bay hereby finds and declares that the preservation of trees is necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the Town of Oyster Bay and of its residents because trees provide shade, impede soil erosion, aid in water absorption and retention, inhibit excess runoff and flooding, enhance air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, mitigate noise, provide a natural habitat for wildlife, provide screening, conserve energy, enhance property values and add to the aesthetic quality and character of the entire community.
For Nassau County property owners facing coastal erosion challenges, professional tree services offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution that works with nature rather than against it. By creating living barriers that grow stronger over time, these natural defenses provide long-term protection while enhancing property values and environmental health. As climate challenges intensify, the partnership between professional arborists and coastal communities becomes not just beneficial, but essential for protecting our shores for future generations.
