Tree Planting Needs

While the City of Charleston is regularly planting new trees in public places, most of Charleston's potential tree planting areas are actually on private property.  If you own land or have permission to plant, you can help!

Learn where trees are needed by viewing the below data.

 Street Tree Canopy Story

 Tree Canopy Tools and Data 

Goals

Charleston has two tree planting goals in our 2021 Climate Action Plan, one for public places (City staff's goal) and one for private property like at homes and businesses (we need help from private landowners to achieve this goal!).   

1. Increase tree planting on private property.
2. The City aims to plant approximately 1,500 trees on public property including rights of way, parks and other City facilities (annually)

You can help achieve Charleston's goals 

by planting trees in the right places!

For Street Tree Plantings (in the Public Right-of-Way), Please Consult with the Parks Department!

If you have an area of public right-of-way nearby your home you think could be a good place for a tree, we urge you to please reach out to the Parks Department first, who diligently manages our street tree canopy.  

Any new street trees need to be added to their inventory and programming so the tree can be maintained and cared for, such as pruning and watering.  They also have a street tree planting program and can meet you on site to discuss options with you.  To learn more and get contact information, visit https://www.charleston-sc.gov/271/Street-Tree-Program.

Resources To Plant Trees on Private Property

Identifying the Right Location and Avoiding Power Lines

• Choosing a Planting Location & Site Considerations (Clemson Coop. Ext.) 
• Remember, if the location you like best is not in your private yard but rather in the public right-of-way, please contact the Parks Department first as they manage all street trees.

Choosing the Right Tree Species that Fits Your Location

• Tree Selection (Clemson Coop. Ext.)
• Urban Tree Species Guide for South Carolina (SCFC)
• Salt Tolerant Trees for High Tide Flood Prone Areas (Clemson Coop. Ext.) 
• A local nursery can also help you decide what tree will work best!  Our partners at Roots and Shoots Nursery are happy to help.

When and How to Plant Correctly (Important!)

• Planning to Plant Trees Correctly, When and How (Clemson Coop. Ext.) 
• How to Plant a Tree, Step by Step Instructions (SCFC)
• Newly Planted Tree Survival Guide (SCFC)
• South Carolina celebrates Arbor Day in December because the late fall into winter is the best time to plant a tree in Charleston!

Tree Maintenance 

• Tree Planting and Care (SCFC)
• DIY Pruning Trees (Clemson Coop. Ext.)  
• Find a Certified Arborist to Prune Large Trees the Right Way (SCFC)

Benefits of Trees

• Why Trees are Great to Reduce Flooding (Clemson Coop. Ext.) 
• Trees and People Need Each Other (SCFC)

Speak with Someone Who Can Help

• For more information, reach out to the Clemson Cooperative Extension Office at hgic@clemson.edu or 888-656-9988, open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.

Have You Planted a Tree?  

Make it official by adding it to the below map showcasing all of Charleston's initiatives to help Rainproof our city, including planting trees!  It's easy, simply complete this form.