Population growth and accompanying land development is occurring more rapidly and on a larger scale than ever before in South Carolina. When land is developed, trees and other natural resources may be threatened. But trees also make valuable contributions to a community’s physical and economic health by improving the appearance of public infrastructure and private development and by reducing summer heat gain and soil erosion, for example. Municipalities and counties in South Carolina have many opportunities to integrate trees into public and private development.
In partnership with the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, the Jim Self Center on the Future at the Strom Thurmond Institute provides research and educational materials on urban forestry for South Carolina’s local governments. Staff is involved in efforts around the state to educate communities on the benefits of trees. A planning guide targeted to local officials for incorporating trees into long range planning is under development.
In 2003 a report, the “Status of Tree Ordinances in South Carolina,” was prepared. For this report, counties and municipalities were surveyed and information was compiled on local government tree regulations. Five categories of tree ordinances were identified: street tree, landscaping, tree protection, view protection, and timber harvesting ordinances. The report and summaries of individual tree ordinances are located here.
“Status of Tree Ordinances in South Carolina” (October 2003)
Use the county map of South Carolina to explore the presence and type of tree ordinances at both the county and municipal level.
