James Urban, FASLA
Landscape Architect
James Urban & Associates
Annapolis, MD

James Urban, FASLA specializes in the design of trees and soils in urban spaces. He has written and lectured extensively on the subject and is responsible for the introduction of many current standards relating to urban tree plantings. His 2008 book, Up By Roots: Healthy Trees and Soils in the Built Environment, is becoming one of the principle tree and soil references. James was instrumental in the development of structural cells and structural planting soils for use under sidewalk pavements, and is credited with helping to re-awaken the profession of landscape architecture to the skills required to successfully plant trees in difficult urban soils. In 2007, he was awarded the ASLA Medal of Excellence for this contribution.