Grand Tree Renewal Project
Preserving and restoring grand tree canopies in Charleston, SC
What this project is about:
This project began in an effort to preserve Charleston’s grand tree canopy, with a special focus on Johns Island. Sadly, the development of highway project resulted in the removal of 799 inches of the grand oak tree circumference. While Charleston County and SCDOT have committed to replacing these trees inch-for-inch, the mitigation applies only to public lands. SCDOT also restricts where large trees can be planted near roadways, further limiting restoration.
For many of us, this area is home. Some were born here (like me), and some moved here for the beauty and style of living that is unique in Charleston. Seeing such drastic changes to the landscape inspired me to start this project—one that supports homeowners and local citizens directly. Because the Charleston County Tree Fund only plants on public land, opportunities for private restoration are limited. Still, land conservation groups and HOAs are eager to reforest and beautify their spaces, and grand oaks can be the centerpiece of these efforts.
Grand Oak trees can be the foundational planting in your landscape. These beauties will grow faster in the first 10 years, allowing you to enjoy this experience while contributing to the long-term restoration of the Lowcountry. These large trees attract wildlife dependent on the acorns they provide as food, and birds enjoy the ability to nest there. Plus, these majestic beauties provide shade, protection from wind, and mitigate flooding from storms. Trees in this project are sourced from Roots and Shoots Nursery located in Charleston, SC.
Not every property has room for a tree that will reach 80 feet tall, and some lots already have mature oaks. If that’s you and you’d still like to be part of this effort, consider donating a tree to a local family so they, too, can enjoy the beauty and benefits of Charleston’s grand canopy.
ATTEND A FORAGING EVENT
Another way to support this project is by helping us spread awareness about the value of trees in our community. We do forage walks to collect acorns and plant samplings with people. If you are a nature lover, a teacher, or a civic group and want to have someone from the Grand Tree Project come to your meeting or event, please reach out to us.
We also have a plan outlined to help you hold an acorn gathering on your own, and we will provide this to you at your request.
Providing education on how trees support the birds and other animals that enjoy acorns is also a big part of why these grand trees are so vital to our area and Charleston’s future.
We invite you to volunteer your time at a foraging event—a fun, meaningful way to connect with nature while helping restore our beautiful tree canopy.
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
10AM
ATTEND A FORAGE EVENT TO COLLECT AND GROW YOUR OWN GRAND TREE
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OCTOBER 8, 2025
10AM
ATTEND A FORAGE EVENT TO COLLECT AND GROW YOUR OWN GRAND OAK TREE
PURCHASE OR DONATE A TREE
Give the gift of legacy this holiday season with a grand oak tree to plant with your family. This tree will be the anchor of your landscaping growing to 80 feet tall. Plant this at least 40 feet away from your home and driveways. Order now and pick up December 22- December 24. A planting guide and red holiday ribbon are included.
If you are interested in grand trees but do not have space or ability to plant one on your property consider donating one to a family in our area.
BECOME ACTIVE IN LOCAL PRESERVATION OF TREES
If you aren’t able to donate or plant a tree, perhaps you can assist in another way. We attend zoning and planning meetings in the Charleston area as it relates to the development of land and the removal of trees. We need volunteers to attend meetings and help organize letter writing for public feedback and to elected officials. While we are very serious about trees, we are not affiliated with any political party and do not promote any candidates. We are here for the trees and the beauty of our area. If this sounds like something you would like to be involved in, please consider volunteering your time.