Charleston Trees Program Addresses Tree Canopy Loss
Trees as Climate Change Mitigation
Trees are one of our most important tools in mitigating the effects of climate change. Did you know that just ONE mature tree:
- Can absorb up to 6,500 gallons of water per rain event
- By absorbing the water and then releasing it slowly, trees reduce runoff and flooding while also recharging the water table.
- Absorbs 48 pounds of carbon per year, which is critical to mitigating heat and reducing energy costs.
- Removes pollution from the air 200% better than a shrub.
Since the reinstatement of the Charleston Trees program on Arbor Day 2023, the Conservancy has added over 1,000 trees to Charleston’s tree canopy through tree giveaways and the installation of the Mulberry Food Forest, and we will add 700 more trees through giveaways by year end.
The 2024 storm season has underscored the importance of having a strong ecosystem in place – with trees as a foundational feature of our park and private gardens. We are dedicated to restoring the urban tree canopy in our communities through on-going tree giveaways and free educational opportunities like our Trees of our Gardens guided walks led by a certified arborist from Bartlett Tree Experts.
Trees for Environmental Justice
Since the mid-1990s, 10,800 acres of trees have been in lost in the Charleston area. The Conservancy’s Charleston Trees program works with residents to restore our tree canopy while also focusing on restoring “tree equity” – ensuring a critical mass of trees so all residents benefit from the health, economic and other benefits that trees provide. Per the Tree Equity Project, communities with lower income have 41% fewer trees than higher income areas, contributing to high heat island conditions, lowered air quality, less permeable surfaces for stormwater runoff and higher energy costs.
You can see where your neighborhood falls by searching the Tree Equity Score Map to determine if your home and health could benefit by adding trees.
Right Tree, Right Place
Choosing native tree species, and paying attention to size at maturity to choose an appropriate place to plant them, will set you up for success. The Conservancy carefully sources native tree species that thrive in our environment for our tree giveaways including: Tulip Poplar, Black Tupelo, Southern Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia, Eastern Redbud and White Fringe Tree.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission offers many resources including a helpful tree planting guide for several species as well as articles about how to properly care for trees of all ages.
We encourage you to join one of our upcoming free information sessions for an opportunity to ask a seasoned arborist all your questions and stay tuned for our next native tree giveaway on November 15 (sign up link coming soon)!
Image of sponsors/partners
Media Highlights