Earlier this year, we shared the history of the Darlington oaks that line the streets of Forrest Hills, the stately old neighborhood Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company developed in the late 1920s. Renowned landscape architect S. Herbert Hare planted them because they are fast growing. Unfortunately, they are also short lived and many are nearing the end of their natural life span. Trees are not simply ornaments; they clean the air, lower stress, boost happiness, increase biodiversity, reduce storm water runoff, and provide much needed shade during Augusta’s blazing hot summers. From a financial perspective, a healthy, mature tree can add $1,000 to $10,000 to the value of a home. We’re committed to keeping the forest in Forrest Hills and also in Olde Towne and in Harrisburg, in our parks and medians, and along our roads and intersections. This year, as members of the Blanchard family have in the past, we are making a donation to Trees for Augusta to support their mission of growing shade all over Augusta. Please join us: https://www.treesforaugusta.org/