Grand Tree Renewal Project
Grand Tree Renewal Project
This project started out of love. I love Johns Island. I know progress is coming and I’m not suggesting that new highways or safer roads should not happen. My daughter in law was hit by a dump truck and severely wounded in an auto accident on River Road six months ago. So believe me, I want safe roads. I also want to preserve the beauty and viability of our culture and way of life on Johns Island. The Grand Tree Renewal Project is about being part of the solution. I want to compromise and be part of a strong community. The Segment A Main Road project required 799 inches of tree circumference be removed. I was expecting it but was not prepared for what it really looked like and how it felt to see that many trees lost. The area is so changed. The loss of the tree canopy is severe. I live very close to this area. I am the chairperson for my garden club that is the caretaker for The Butcher Oak. “Our tree” was spared but no others made it. My involvement to save the Butcher Oak taught me the decision makers do listen to the community. Otherwise our tree would be gone as well.
Grand trees can be removed by the county or SCDOT at any time. No size tree is considered truly protected from removal. Charleston County approved the removal with 100% mitigation near the removal site or on Johns Island. Saplings are often 1-2 inches in diameter. We are talking about 400 to 800 trees. The county can only mitigate trees on public lands. The county park will have land near the boat landing and can mitigate some trees there, however I would doubt 799 inches is available in this amount of space. I also understand that there are sometimes “other trees” that are planted in mitigation but they are not grand oaks and I am concerned this is what will happen in this case as well. There is no report from the “tree fund” that provides information on tree mitigation location, public record of how the tree fund monies are spent, or survival of the trees replaced.
SCDOT requires trees be planted between 15-30 feet from the roadway depending on the speed limit and size of the roadway shoulder.. In my last discussion regarding tree mitigation I was told no grand trees could be planted in the new roundabout. This would eventually obstruct the view for motorists entering and exiting the roundabout. There is currently a landscape architect being consulted as to how the roundabout will look and allow for the required safe line of site.
All of these facts led me to begin this project. Homeowners can plant grand trees and this will restore the tree canopy. A grand tree is slow growing and can be the centerpiece of your landscape. Grand trees should be planted 40 feet away from structures and hardscapes. Grand trees attract wildlife to your property and help with flooding concerns along with providing shade. These trees are the symbol of Lowcountry living. I have a goal to sell 50 trees by October 31st. If you can’t plant a tree, consider donating one. I have obtained some donor sites where we can plant them on Johns Island. The trees will be wrapped like gifts and ready the week of Christmas to pick up. Purchase or donate a tree at https://www.skinprostudio.com/grandtreerenewalproject. All trees are being purchased through partnership with Roots and Shoots Nursery in West Ashley.
Long term this project is really about making this a stronger community by increasing involvement of citizens and making a difference. Development continues and safety of our citizens is important but so is preserving our island one voice, one meeting, one tree at a time. If you want to volunteer to attend meetings or assist with this project please reach out to me. I could use your help.