Continuing Care of Trees, Too

The Peachtree Hills Place development now under construction on 23.5 acres in Buckhead will not displace all the trees on the property. Isakson Barnhart, the developer of the 62-and-older community, is saving 50 percent of the trees on-site. In addition, the project is the pilot program for a tree protection program for construction workers.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center, under the leadership of head naturalist Henning Von Smelling, will train every superintendent and equipment operator working on the site. Each worker will be required to pass a test on such subjects as water quality, tree protection and general ecology. Graduates will receive a green hardhat and ball cap to wear as they work.

The project’s plans also include an urban forest and nature trail on approximately six acres, which will be placed under a protective environmental deed covenant with The Chattahoochee Nature Center. E. Andrew Isakson, managing partner of the development firm, said, "We’re fortunate to transform a section of Atlanta that is full of mature trees....As many of Atlanta’s Intown areas are being redeveloped, we challenge other developers to follow suit. Along with the Chattahoochee Nature Center, we’re setting up the framework to make it happen."

www.peachtreehillsplace.com.