How Hilton Head Island keeps it's natural look

The people of Hilton Head Island really love their trees.  At least part of the reason is that they have such great trees. There are a lot of Live Oaks here; I used to think meant a regular Oak tree that is still alive.  But Southern Live Oaks are amazing - they grow big, close to the ground and in all directions.  On Hilton Head they are allowed to grow as they please, and if they grow over the walkway, someone just puts up a "Low Clearance" sign and everyone walks under it.

I have discovered that on Hilton Head you need to know where you are going before you can go there, because there are simply no big signs on the Island.  Even a big store like Walmart just has a small sign, about waist high, on the side of the road, tucked in close to the thick shrubs and trees.

And if you want to find a gas station, you really need sharp eyes.

This is all done so that nothing distracts from the view and the feeling of being close to nature.  Even the Walmart parking lot is full of trees!

There are some gorgeous houses on the Island and apparently every house, no matter how expensive, has to be careful not to stand out.  The acceptable colors seem to be limited to neutral and forest colors.

 And don't be cutting down any trees!

This is all good - you never feel like you are in a big city.  And where it's not covered with trees, the island is covered with soft sand.  Such a great place to spend the season!