What is Charleston Trees?
Charleston Trees became a subcommittee of the Charleston Parks Conservancy in 2015 with the goal of increasing the tree canopy in the City of Charleston.
The Parks Conservancy is excited to launch the “Treevitalization” of the Charleston Trees program through building education and awareness of all of the benefits of an urban tree canopy, tree giveaways, tree care workshops, and family-focused events throughout the year.
Live in the City of Charleston and feel as though your neighborhood or property would benefit from a thriving tree canopy? Register to participate in the free tree giveaway for December! The three gallon tree options include, but are not limited to: Tulip Poplar, Sweetbay magnolia, Eastern Redbud, Fringetree and more. A thriving tree canopy is essential to the resiliency of our city and the well-being of the people and wildlife that inhabit it. Trees are more than scenery for our cities. They are critical, life-saving infrastructure that every person in every neighborhood deserves.
Charleston Trees will improve “tree equity” in areas of the city with little or no tree canopy. Tree Equity means having enough trees so all people experience the health, economic and other benefits that trees provide. Per the Tree Equity Score Map project, communities with lower income have 41% fewer trees than higher income areas, contributing to high heat island conditions, lowered air quality, less permeable for stormwater runoff, higher energy costs, and lack of quality in the public realm.
Why Charleston Trees?
- A mature tree can absorb up to 150 gallons of water per day, reducing stormwater runoff, flooding, and soil erosion.
- Trees reduce energy use of an area by mitigating the urban heat island effects by providing shading, reducing interior temperatures by up to 10 degrees.
- Residential properties can see heating and cooling savings by 8%-12%.
- Proven source for removing known air pollutants.
- Shade provided from the canopy encourages outdoor activity, even in the heat of summer.
- Reduce symptoms of asthma and stress, as well as improve energy and immune function, increasing mental clarity and attention, along with many other health benefits.
Join us for some exciting tree giveaways + workshops + neighborhood plantings! Click here for a full calendar of events.
Interested in your business sponsoring a tree giveaway? Contact trees@charlestonparksconservancy.org to learn more!
Community Plantings
Have a nearby park that could use some trees? Is your street bare and hot in the summer? Is your school or local business looking empty?
benefits of neighborhood plantings
Neighborhood projects help communities by:
- Beautification
Trees provided through the Charleston Trees program are 6 to 10 feet tall, providing instant beautification and inspiration for additional curb appeal improvements. - Cooling urban areas
Shade provided by trees has a direct cooling effect on the air temperature for nearby sidewalks, roads, houses, and parks. - Improving air quality
High temperatures escalate the production of smog and other pollutants. Trees help by reducing the air temperature through shading and carbon monoxide absorption. - Reducing traffic speeds
Tree-lined roads provide a sense of enclosure, which causes motorists to drive more slowly and carefully. - Energy conservation
By producing shade, trees help conserve energy as they intercept radiant heat. - Noise reduction
Trees and shrubs are effective buffers in screening out urban noise. - Wildlife habitat
Trees provide critical habitats for birds and diverse wildlife in the urban area. - Improving property values
Studies show that property values of homes with trees are 5% to 20% higher than similar properties without trees. Source: Arbor Day Foundation
Please share how we can support a community project to you and your neighborhood.
Tree Giveaways
In case you happened to miss the last giveaway there are still other opportunities to claim a free tree! Register for the next giveaway below. Registration for each giveaway event will open two weeks in advance. Once registered, pick up your tree of choice on the below dates from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ackerman Park – 55 Sycamore Ave., Charleston, South Carolina 29407.
Nov. 10, 2023, Dec. 8, 2023, Jan. 12, 2024, and Feb. 9, 2024.
Tree Education & Resources
Get rooted in your knowledge of the benefits of an urban tree canopy with the resources provided below!