Charleston Trees

Charleston Trees has improved “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.

Benefits of Trees

• For each major rain event, one grand tree can retain up to 6,500 liters of stormwater.
• Trees reduce energy use 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%.
• Trees remove pollution from the air 200% better than shrubs.
• Shade provided from the canopy encourages outdoor activity, even in the heat of summer.
• Trees reduce the risk of injury and death from extreme heat.
  • Shown to reduce symptoms of asthma, stress, as well as improve energy and immune function, increasing mental clarity and attention.

Join us for tree giveaways, educational walks, and more! Click here for our full calendar of events.

Interested in your business sponsoring a tree giveaway? Contact Robert McCombs, Charleston Trees Manager at rmccombs@charlestonparksconservancy.org to learn more!

Tree Giveaways

If you live in Charleston and want to enhance your neighborhood’s tree canopy, take advantage of our tree giveaways in spring and fall. These giveaways focus on native species which support local ecosystems, require low maintenance, and improve soil health.

Stay tuned to our calendar of events for the next giveaway. Registration opens two weeks prior to each event.

Tree Education & Resources

Get rooted in your knowledge of the benefits of an urban tree canopy with the resources provided below.

• Trees to Offset Stormwater: Case Study 04: Charleston, South Carolina
• South Carolina Urban Tree Species Guide: Choosing the Right Tree for the Right Place
• Mapping: Showing the Percent of Street Tree Canopy Coverage in the City of Charleston

Other Tree Benefits:

• 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

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